PUBLIC LIBRARY 




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* Class _ 
Book- 



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THE 



PRINCIPLES 



CHURCH HISTORY 



ADAPTED TO THE YOUNG. 



BY 

A PRESBYTER OF THE DIOCESE OF NORTH CAROLINA. 

i 



NEW YORK: 
PUBLISHED BY H. B. DURAND, 

49 WHITE STREET. 
1863. 



-eft 1 ' 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1SG8, 

By H. B. DITRAND, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States 
for the Southern District of New York. 



RENNIE, SHEA & LINDSAY, 

Stkreotypers and Electrotypers, 

81, 83 & 85 Centre-street, 

New York. 



3E 



The author of the following History has thought 
for years that there was need of such a work. There 
is no approved History of the Church, of which he 
has any knowledge, adapted to the capacity of the 
young. Among the many histories prepared for the 
instruction of the young in the schools of our country, 
he has seen none of the Church which, in his opinion, 
is well adapted to the purpose. In our Sunday-school 
libraries, where is found such a variety of choice 
reading fitted to their capacity, he has not found a 
Church History which in size and style has a cor- 
responding adaptation. In the preparation of the 
following work, it has been his wish to meet these 
several wants. This has necessarily confined him to 
the principles of Church History. In its prepara- 
tion, he has referred, for authority, to those works 
approved by the Bishops of the Church of which he 
is a minister. If he finds that this humble attempt 



A "* kV * 

4 PREFACE. 

jfc, 

meets the want which he believes exists, it is his 
purpose to continue his Jabors until he has presented 
to the young a complete epitome of Church History, 
extending from the establishment of Christianity down 
to the present day. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

PAGE 

The rise of the Church. The number of Christians at the time of 
the Ascension. The place of Judas supplied. The descent of the 
Holy Ghost. The seven deacons ordained. St. Philip and St. 
Stephen 21 



CHAPTER II. 

The labors of the Apostles. Begin at Jerusalem. The conversion of 
the three thousand, and the consequences. Labors of St. Philip. 
Simon Magus and the Gnostic heresy. The persecution and con- 
version of Saul. His ability. Peace restored to the Church. The 
first Bishop of Jerusalem. The successful ministry of the Apostles. 
The envy of the Jews excited. They persecute again. The Jews 
begin to suffer for their crimes 26 



CHAPTER III. 

The Gospel preached to the Gentiles. St. Paul's labors. In company 
with Barnabas, he makes his first journey. The first council of the 
Church. St. James presides. St. Paul and Barnabas part company. 
They each choose another companion. St. Paul's second journey. 
His companion. St. Luke 32 

CHAPTER IV. 

St. Paul's third journey. Apollos. Aquila and Priscilla. The divi- 
sion in the Corinthian Church concerning Paul and Apollos. St. 
Paul a prisoner at Kome. Is set at liberty. The persecution under 
Nero. Death of St. Paul and St. Peter. Death of Nero 38 



b CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER V. 

PAGE 

Gifts, offices, and divisions of the Apostolic age. The Orders of the 
Ministry. Their powers and duties. The sect of Judaizers. The 
Gn ostic heresy. Their abominable doctrines 4A 

CHAPTER VI. 

The immediate successors of the Apostles. The Sacraments. The 
people share in the government of the Church. Baptism. Training 
schools. Holy Communion. Festivals and Fasts. Liturgies 50 

CHAPTER VII. 

Destruction of Jerusalem. Dispersion of the Jews. St. John. The 
Church enjoys a season of rest. The horrors of the siege of Jeru- 
salem. The compilation of the Sacred Scriptures. The name, 
"Apostle," dropped. Other names substituted for the same office. 
Eminent fathers edify the Church by their writings. The second 
general persecution. Distinguished martyrs. Death of St. John. . 57 

CHAPTER VIII. 

State of the Church under Trajan. His character. ; He becomes a 
persecutor. Illustrious martyrs. Death of Ignatius. Pliny the 
Younger. The names of the three orders of the ministry perma- 
nently fixed. Obstacles to the progress of the Church. Further 
notice of the Gnostic heresy. The question of introducing heathen 
learning into the Church 65 

CHAPTER IX. 

Adrian. Eevolt of the Jews. • Succession of Bishops. The Church a 
great power. The happiest period in the history of the empire. A 
sudden and violent persecution. Christians too eager to become 
martyrs. Barcochebas. The Jews revolt, and are subdued with 
great slaughter. The see of Jerusalem. It ceases, and JElia takes 
its place. The succession of Bishops of the principal sees. Another 
Jewish Christian sect 73 

CHAPTER X. 

Heathen writers take the field against Christianity. Celsus their 
most celebrated champion. The white garments of the Priesthood. 
Early Christians worship towards the east. Miracles grow less fre- 
quent. Justin Martyr. Antoninus Pius. The heathen seize every 
opportunity to persecute the faithful 80 



CONTENTS. 7 

CHAPTER XI. 

PAGE 

Metropolitan. Councils. Synods. Marcion, and his errors. Eastern 
and Western Churches. The question of Easter, and controversy 
to which it gave rise. Polycarp visits Anicetus, bishop of Eome, 
to settle the difficulty, but fails. Marcus Aurelius. Becomes a 
persecutor. His army saved by the prayers of the " Thundering 
Legion." Missionaries. Baptism administered twice a year. Dis- 
cipline of the Church. False interpretation of Scripture 87 



CHAPTER XII. 

The fifth persecution. Distinguished martyrs. Martyrdom of Justin, 
of St. Polycarp, and others. Lyons and Vienne suffer the worst 
horrors of persecution 95 



CHAPTER XIII. 

A rest to the Church of seventeen years. Christian soldiers become 
veterans. Persecution purifies the Church. Able Christian writers 
take the field. Theophilus of Antioch, Pantsenus, Clement of Alex- 
andria, Melito of Sardis, Apollinaris, Irenaeus. Traitors in the 
Church. The vexed question between the Eastern and Western 
Churches about the time of observing Easter, continues to disturb 
the Church. Victor, bishop of Eome, assumes a tone of authority. 
Montanus and his schism 102 



CHAPTER XIY. 

A rapid succession of emperors. Septimus Severus permits the ene- 
mies of Christians to persecute. Illustrious martyrs. Potamisena 
a martyr. Tertullian writes an Apology. Irenasus and Victor suffer 
martyrdom. The miserable end of Septimus Severus Ill 



CHAPTER XV. 

Caracalla and Geta, joint emperors. Caracalla murders his brother, 
and holds the entire empire. He is murdered in turn. Alexander 
Severus, a noble prince. Julia Mammaea, his mother, a Christian 
lady. Copies of the Sacred Scriptures are multiplied. Christian 
example exerts a great power. Origen. Goths converted. Con- 
firmation. Penitence. Excommunication. Marriage of the clergy. 
Celibacy begins to be advocated. Three Bishops considered chiefs. 
Fasting becomes systematic 118 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTEE XVI. 

PAGE 

Heretical sects of the third century. Tertullian forsakes the Church. 
Manes. Sabellius. Beryllus. Paul 127 



CHAPTEE XVII. 

Celibacy, and its consequences. The disgrace brought on the Church 
by the professed virgins and unmarried priests. Controversy cools 
the spiritual ardor of Christians. Doctrine of the Millennium op- 
posed by Origen and others. Heathen learning and its use, a trou- 
blesome question. Origen causes his Bishop trouble. The wonder- 
ful abilities and labors of Origen. Tried for heresy. He dies 134 



CHAPTEE XVIII. 

Alexander Severus is assassinated. Maximin, a brutal soldier, suc- 
ceeds. Persecutes the Church: — called the seventh persecution. 
Church enjoys a fruitful quiet of fourteen years. Decius becomes 
emperor in 249. A most bloody persecutor. The horrors of his 
persecution. • Dionysius the Great. Decius killed by the Goths. 
Question of the lapsed. St. Cyprian, bishop of Carthage. An af- 
fecting incident. The struggle between Cornelius and Novatian for 
the see of Borne 143 



CHAPTEE XIX. 

Controversy about the baptism of heretics. The imperious conduct 
of Stephen, bishop of Borne. St. Cyprian opposes Stephen. Stephen 
excommunicates the Bishops of Asia and Africa. The excommuni- 
cation being without authority, is treated with contempt. In what 
the superiority of the Bishop of Borne consisted. The Church of 
Bome distinguished for good works and for heresies. Boman 
Bishops tainted with error. The Boman see, a coveted object 155 



CHAPTEE XX. 

Baptism of infants. A decision upon this subject by a council held 
at Carthage. Testimony of Origen on the same subject ; of Justin 
Martyr, of Hermas, of Pelagius. The mode of baptism. By whom 
and to whom it was administered. Tertullian' s error on the sub- 
ject. The Elxaites 1G1 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

PAGE 

A destructive plague. Christians charged with being its cause, and 
are persecuted. Valerian puts an end to the persecution. Marci- 
anus prevails on Valerian to persecute. Cyprian suffers. St. Lau- 
rentius and the Church treasures. Suffers a horrid death. Valerian 
meets an awful and just retribution in Persia. Gallianus restores 
peace to the Church. By the death of Aurelius the Church is saved 
from a dreadful persecution. Missionaries. Celebrated writers. 
The subjects of their writings. Porphyry, the great enemy of 
Christianity 166 



CHAPTER XXII. 

Hermits. Paul the father of Hermits. Catacombs, the Christian 
burial-place for the first three centuries. A long reign of peace. 
Pride and ambition afflict the Church. Sub-deacons, attendants, 
door-keepers, readers, exorcists, copiatee. Sign of the Cross. The 
use of Incense. Hierecites. Doctrine of the Millennium. The 
character and labors of Dionysius the Great 176 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

The progress of Christianity silent. Church avoids politics. The 
Syrian Church. Church of Macedonia and Achaia. The Eoman 
Church. Gallic Church. Spanish Church. The British Church. 
African Church. Close of the third century 184 



CHAPTER XXIY. 

Diocletian and Maximian, emperors at the beginning of the fourth 
century. The tenth persecution begins in 303. The progress of 
the persecution. It becomes most violent and cruel. Pages in 
Antioch, Egypt, Rome, Britain, and in all parts of the empire. 
Death of St. Alban 190 



CHAPTER XXY. 

Diocletian lays aside his crown, and Maximian follows his example. 
Horrid death of the monster Galerius. Death of his successor, Maxi- 
min. A most exciting period of Church history. Frequent political 
changes. Constantine appears on the stage. Becomes the avowed 



10 CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

and bold friend of Christianity. Defeats Maxentius and marches 
triumphantly into Eome. The triumph of the Christian emperor a 
source of great joy. The end of Diocletian. Lycinius marries the 
sister of Constantine. He is emperor of the East, and Constantine 
of the West. Quarrels with Constantine : is defeated and slain. 
Constantine sole emperor , 199 



CHAPTER XXYI. 

The faithful most severely tried in the fourth century. Meletius and 
his errors. Hermits and monks. St. Anthony. Africa congenial 
to monks and hermits. Coenobites, Eremites, Anchorets, Sarabites. 
Church feuds most painful to Constantine. Donatist schism. They 
complain to Constantine. He treats them with great consideration. 
A band of outlaws take part with the Donatists 208 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

Constantine not an educated Christian. He exerts himself to extin- 
guish heathenism. The part he took in Church affairs. He assem- 
bles the first general council at Nice. The Arian heresy disposed 
of at this council. Arius. Nicene Creed. The Easter question 
settled. Celibacy and other questions settled. Constantine pre- 
sides. The Church prospers. Makes new conquests 217 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

"Writers of great ability. Eusebius. Athanasius. Constantine be- 
comes a supporter of Arianism. Athanasius the subject of bitter 
Arian persecution. Driven from his diocese. Arius invited to 
Constantinople. Alexander ordered to receive him to communion. 
The Church filled with sorrow. Arius suddenly dies. Persecution 
arrested in all parts of the empire. Church in the British isles. 
The dark shades of Constantine's character. Dies at his villa in 
Nicomedia 225 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

Sons of Constantine succeed their father. Great confusion in the 
empire. Athanasius recalled from banishment. Again driven away. 
Constans pursues the Donatists with vigor and humbles their arro- 
gance. Tares grow abundantly. The wealth and grandeur of the 



CONTENTS. 11 

PAGE 

Eoman See. The advancement of the Bishop of Constantinople ex- 
cites great jealousy. The Council of Sardica takes the first step 
towards elevating the spiritual power of the Bishop of Bome above 
others. Athanasius again restored 232 



CHAPTER XXX. 

Brutality of the emperors. Civil wars. Athanasius again forced to 
fly. Takes refuge in profound solitude. The Arians triumphant. 
They lay a plot to overthrow the Nicene Creed. Execute their de- 
signs at the Council of Araminium, in Italy. Constantius associates 
with him, as emperor, Julian the Apostate. Julian becomes sole 
emperor. Attempts the destruction of Christianity. Attempts to 
build the city and temple of Jerusalem. His work prevented by 
a miracle. Athanasius restored to his diocese. Again driven 
away. Julian dies of a wound received in battle, cursing his 
Lord. Jovinian succeeds to the empire and restores Athanasius. 
Succeeded by Valentinian and Valens. Athanasius driven away 
for the last time. Conceals himself in his father's tomb. Is re- 
stored and dies in peace 239 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

Damasus and Ursinus contend for the Eoman See. Eesults in a bloody 
affray. Valentinian gives the Bishop of Eome additional spiritual 
power. Pilgrimages, relics, false miracles. Deceit justified in the 
accomplishment of a higher good. The punishment of heretics 
and heathen advocated. The elevation of the Host. Celibacy, 
penance, rigid fastings. Jovinian endeavors to resist the tide of 
corruption. Andrseus, of Syria, follows his example. Arians en- 
feebled by division. The evils resulting from the Arian contro- 
versy. Heresies. Gnosticism in the fourth century. The blessed 
Virgin adored by a sect. St. Augustine demolishes the Donatists. 
Other great writers. Arianism overthrown. Theodosius the 
Great 250 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

Theodosius the Great. Associates Valentinian II. in the empire. _ 
Commits one great fault, the slaughter of the Thessalonians, for 
which he does penance. Aids in crushing the power of the Arians 
and Donatists. He extinguishes pagan idolatry at Eome. His 



12 CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

death lamented by all. Succeeded by his two sons. The fourth 
century a remarkable period in Church history. Persecution of 
Athanaric and Sapor II., king of Persia. The Church's preserva- 
tion the greatest miracle. Church service. Christmas. Lent. 
Baptism. Fonts. The glorious state of the Church at the close of 
the fourth century 261 



INTRODUCTION. 



The History of the Church of Christ should be deeply 
interesting to every believer in its Divine origin ; and, if 
properly written, it will prove so, not only to those of riper 
years, but also to the young. Its style should be simple 
and pleasing, that a child may understand and be interested 
in the facts related. The History of the Church need not, 
and should not be, a dry statement of leading facts and 
dates ; for then it would not be complete, and its study 
would be tedious to the most of readers. Its leading facts 
and dates should be enlivened by the proper use of events, 
circumstances, incidents, adventures, and occurrences, which 
are fitted to delight and encourage the reader, so that he 
shall not feel that he has undertaken to perform an un- 
pleasant task. There are plenty of stirring, thrilling, pain- 
ful, and happy events connected with the History of the 
Church to afford a charm to the style and narrative. And 
there are many circumstances, which take place outside of 
the Church, that exert a great influence upon it. -.These 
should be embraced in the history, to make it complete, 
and they may be used in such a manner as to delight the 
reader. 



To whom should Church History be interesting? How can it be made 
so to all ? How should it be written ? What events may be narrated I 
Can matters outside the Church be introduced ? Why should they ? 



14 INTRODUCTION. 

The Church, like every other society, has its times of ad- 
versity, as well as prosperity ; its days of sorrow, as well 
as joy. But, unlike them, it never ceases to exist. It has 
been visible, active, and complete, in all its parts and offices, 
ever since it began, and it has the promise of the Lord, its 
Maker, that it shall endure while the world endures. These 
times of adversity and prosperity are influenced very much 
by external circumstances. The changeful course of hu- 
man affairs affect it seriously. The death of princes, and 
other persons in power ; the support or opposition of those 
in authority ; the tide of war, and the disposition of the 
conqueror ; the rise and fall of nations ; — all have to do 
with the History of the Church, and retard or advance its 
growth. Especially, when it first began, it suffered greatly 
by these means ; for it has always had zealous and bitter 
enemies, as well as ardent friends, who have used every 
advantage in their power to crush and destroy it, and have 
seized the best times and means to accomplish their design. 
Especially in its early history its enemies were numerous 
and powerful. Many of them were learned, and the most 
of them extremely wicked and corrupt. Among these 
haters of Christ and his disciples, the heathen priests were, 
perhaps, the most cruel and deadly in their purpose and 
plans to destroy the Church. Their influence caused more 
Christian blood to flow than any other class. They used 
their learning, tact, genius, subtlety, and all their ability, 
with untiring zeal, to destroy every Christian from the face 
of the earth. To make their plans successful, they devised 
the most terrible instruments that the genius of wicked and 



How does the Church resemble and how differ from other societies ? 
What circumstances affect the Church? What of its enemies ? When did 
it suffer most in tills way ? Who were its greatest enemies ? What means 
were used by them ? 



INTRODUCTION. 15 

cruel men could discover, and they used them, without 
mercy and in the most brutal manner. Nor were they 
satisfied with putting Christians to death by lingering tor- 
tures. They also tried to defame the doctrines of Christ 
by slander, abuse, and falsehood, so that it would appear 
contemptible in the opinion of mankind. They also in- 
flamed the minds of those in authority with hatred towards 
the Church, and induced them to pass laws which would 
give them authority to vex, persecute, and kill all who were 
known to be followers of Christ. These external agents of 
cruelty compose a part of Church History, and though they 
cause us pain when we read of them, yet they add interest 
to the subject. 

But there are many circumstances and events, connected 
with the History of the Church, that are delightful to re- 
flect upon. These may assist greatly in giving life to the 
narrative, and it is a privilege of which the historian should 
avail himself to make good use of them. The brightest 
examples of heroism, and the most brilliant displays of all 
that is great in man, are associated with the Church and 
compose a part of its history. It is delightful to read of 
illustrious princes who have stood forth as the patrons and 
defenders of the Faith, and by their laws, their bounty, 
their words, and their piety, have set an example worthy 
of imitation by their subjects. The history of wise and 
learned men who have adorned the Church by their illus- 
trious and laborious works, will serve to inspire the reader 
and lead him on with right good-will. There have been 
hosts of such men, whose great and active minds have, 



How did they assail the doctrines of Christ? To what other means did 
they resort ? What resources has the historian to enliven his narra- 
tive ? What is said of consecrated talent and heroism ? What of illustri- 
ous Christian princes? 



16 INTRODUCTION. 

without fear, exerted their might in the defence of the Church 
against its enemies, and have come off victorious. They 
wrote many books in defence of the doctrines of Christ, 
and vindicated the practices of Christians nobly and with 
the spirit of true piety. Many of their works have been 
preserved to our time, which show how wise, prudent, and 
holy the writers were. It will prove a source of purest 
pleasure to consider what glorious victories were gained 
for the Church by those holy champions ; and that, too, 
over such a vast army of powerful and deadly enemies. It 
will also strengthen and confirm the faith of the Christian 
to read how the few brave hearts went forth to battle for the 
Church against such fearful odds, — having arrayed against 
them the hatred of powerful kings, nobles, magistrates, the 
common people, and laws made on purpose to destroy them ; 
and yet how God sustained them, and enabled them to tri- 
umph and extend the bounds of the Redeemer's kingdom. 
But the Christian reader will feel a deep and most lively 
interest in studying the history of those blessed martyrs who 
at different times have laid down their lives for the cause 
of truth, as it is in Christ. He will admire that greatness 
of mind and goodness of heart which enabled them to give 
up every earthly honor, pleasure, and comfort ; to undergo 
every privation ; to be hunted like the wild beast, from den 
to den and cave to cave of the earth, where they had taken 
shelter from the pursuit of their enemies ; at last to give up 
their lives amidst the severest torments in the power of man 
to inflict, rather than deny their Lord and Saviour and vio- 



"What of the writers that have adorned the Church? What of their 
works ? "What of their victories won for the Church ? What effect will 
the study of the lives of the primitive Christians have on the reader ? 
How will the lives and deaths of martyrs affect him ? "What kind of suf- 
ferings did they undergo ? "Will these tend to produce pious emotions ? 



INTEODUCTION. 17 

late their conscience. While these examples of Christian 
fortitude serve to interest the reader, they will also be wri- 
ting on his heart pious impressions and kindling afresh the 
flame of love, and opening more deeply the flow of grati- 
tude to God for giving to the world such bright patterns of 
holy integrity, and for casting his lot in a happier age and 
place. All these events and circumstances the writer of 
this History will endeavor to use in such a manner and in 
such places as he believes will be proper, and will serve to 
enliven and make it interesting, especially to the young ; 
and he is confident that a sufficient amount of such matter 
can be had, to afford %he reader a relish for the study of 
dryer portions of the History. 

In addition to these stimulants to the reader's mind, he 
will find another in the importance of the study of history, 
and especially that of the Church. Here he will see the 
characters, lives, and deaths of good and bad men placed 
side by side in a true and faithful light, from which he will 
be able to decide what one's life and reward he prefers. 
Here he will also see what the Church has always believed 
to be error, and can see when that error began, who was 
the author of it, and what induced him to give it birth and 
support. This will enable him to detect the error and 
escape the evil consequences of embracing it. Here he will 
learn about those differences of opinions concerning doc- 
trines, which gave rise to long and bitter controversies, 
and which, in several instances, ended in such unchristian 
feelings, that different branches of the Church would, for a 
time, hold no communion with each other. And yet, the 
reader will here see that which is more sad still. He will 

Does Church History need interesting incidents ? What is said of the 
lives of good and bad men in contrast? What of error and its cause? 
What of its consequences ? 



18 INTRODUCTION. 

behold the rise, progress, and increase of errors which at 
last produced a permanent separation of different branches 
of the Church, and greatly marred that beauty of unity 
which, in early time, it had possessed. This will give him 
painful, but very important knowledge. It will enable him 
to see where the truth lies, and will give him a clear under- 
standing of the cause of the divided state of the Church. 
It will afford him a feeling of security amidst the many 
conflicting religious opinions which he could not feel if 
ignorant of a true knowledge of Church History. Here 
he will learn who have been rulers in the Church from the 
earliest times, and will find cause to love and venerate the 
memories of some, while upon others he will be compelled 
to look with sorrow and shame. So will he see what awful 
and heavy duties weigh upon these rulers. He will learn 
how to feel for them, sympathize with them, and pardon 
their erring steps on account of human frailty. 

Pie will learn that the Church has always been governed 
by laws, and that these laws are of two kinds, human and 
Divine. Those that are Divine are composed of doctrines 
and precepts which are found in the Bible, and are, there- 
fore, perfect, and cannot be altered. Those that are human, 
being imperfect, may be amended and improved. He will 
see how great regard has been paid to these laws at differ- 
ent times ; how deeply those that are Divine have been 
venerated, and how greatly the human have been respected 
and observed. On the other hand, he will see at what 
times they have been abused and set at defiance; how 
those derived from God have been polluted, and those from 



"What caused the divided state of the Church ? How will this study affect 
the faith of the reader ? What does Church History tell of the rulers of 
the Church ? What of their duties ? How many kinds of laws govern the 
Church ? How distinguished ? How treated ? 



INTRODUCTION. 19 

men changed for the worse. Also he will learn how offend- 
ers have been dealt with at different times, and in what 
manner, and to what extent the Church has used her pow- 
ers of discipline upon such as have broken her laws. What 
is of greater consequence, he will here receive important 
instruction about the Scriptures of the New Testament ; 
how soon after being written they were collected together ; 
what the main external evidence is that they are genuine ; 
how great reverence has always been given to them by 
Christians ; and how carefully and with what holy venera- 
tion they have been preserved, and their doctrines ex- 
plained and precepts observed. The history of the rites 
and ceremonies of the Church at different times and in 
different places, will prove an interesting subject to the 
Christian reader; and so will that of the liturgies which 
have been framed and used by the different branches of 
the Church. But the blessed sacraments of Christ's insti- 
tution, and the times, places, and manner in which they 
were administered, occupy an important place. So the 
different orders, powers, and duties of the ministry, to- 
gether with the esteem in which the laity have been held 
at different times, are subjects of great importance, and 
will command the attention of the reader. These various 
subjects that have been mentioned, compose the chief mat- 
ter of Church History. The young reader can see how 
imperfect his knowledge must be if he does not make him- 
self acquainted with this very important branch of history. 
In importance, as a study, it stands next to Holy Scrip- 
ture. 



What of offenders? "What is said of the New Testament? What of the 
rites and ceremonies ? What of the liturgies? What is said of the sacra- 
ments ? What of the clergy and laity ? How does Church History rank as 
a stud\ I 



20 INTRODUCTION. 

It has been the object of the writer to prepare a -history 
of the Church, especially adapted to the young. To accom- 
plish this object, he has endeavored to arrange its facts, 
events, incidents, and occurrences in such order that no 
part shall be left without something to enliven the narra- 
tive and entertain the reader. At the same time they oc- 
cupy their proper places in the history of the age in which 
they occurred. As the work must fail to accomplish the 
object intended unless written in a style that can be easily 
understood, he has tried to use simple and expressive lan- 
guage to convey the ideas. With an earnest desire to 
benefit the young as well as old, he has prepared and sub- 
mits this History, which he devoutly prays may prove a 
blessing to the Church. 

" Truth, is the historian's crown, and art 

Squares it to stricter comeliness." 
" Sit at the feet of History — through night 

Of ages the steps of virtue she shall trace." 

What has been the object of the writer of this history ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 



CHAPTER I. 



THE RISE OF THE CHURCH. 



The ascension of our Lord to heaven was an event 
which filled the hearts of the disciples with great joy. It 
fully assured them that they had not followed Christ in 
vain, but that He was all He had professed to be. It fully 
confirmed their faith in His ability and power to fulfil for 
them and the world, all the great and glorious things He 
had promised to do. Among these was the pledge, so 
consoling and delightful to their minds, that He would 
send them the blessed Comforter, who would guide them 
into all truth. With these happy reflections cheering their 
hearts, the disciples left the hallowed place where they saw 
the Lord ascend, and returned with great joy to Jerusalem. 
There they daily assembled in the temple, and sang and 
gave praise to God, while they awaited in full and lively 
expectation the descent of the Holy Ghost, the Comforter. 
As lamps trimmed and ready for the burning, they awaited 
the flame of the Divine Spirit to enable them to shed 
abroad those herald rays that should at length enlighten 
all the dark corners of the earth. 

"What effect had our Lord's ascension on His disciples? What pledge 
had He made them ? What did they do after the ascension ? For what 
did they wait at Jerusalem ? 



22 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

At this period of the Church's history there were one 
hundred and twenty followers of Christ, eminent for their 
piety, and devotion to their Lord and Master. Besides 
these, there were other disciples, more than five hundred 
of whom are said to have seen Him at one time, after His 
resurrection. But when we consider how many and great 
miracles He performed ; with what power and majesty He 
preached ; what great wonders marked His history ; what 
multitudes were constant witnesses of these miracles and 
wonders, and hearers of His precious words, we are amazed 
that so few believed on Him. 

Though the number of zealous disciples, at the time of 
our Lord's ascension, was so small, yet they were happy, 
and their hearts were buoyant with hope. But in the 
midst of their rejoicing there was one sad reflection. One 
of the chosen twelve had committed suicide. Judas, over- 
whelmed with remorse because he had betrayed his Lord, 
instead of sharing their joy, had entered upon that life of 
future woe which is the awful penalty meted out to the 
self-murderer. To supply the place of him who had thus 
fallen, and fill up the number of the Apostles as Christ had 
fixed them, the eleven proceeded to elect another. They 
selected two from their number who were most eminent 
for their piety and faith, and who had been constant at- 
tendants on the ministry of Christ, and were witnesses of 
His resurrection. These were Barnabas and Matthias. 
Then, having devoutly prayed that God would direct them 
to the right choice, " they gave forth their lots, and the 
lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the 



What was the number of them ? "What is said of the success of His 
ministry? "What effect had the ascension on the disciples? What cause 
of sorrow had they ? What is said of Judas ? "What did they do ? How 
did they elect another in his place ? On whom did the lot fall ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 23 

eleven Apostles." Their number being now complete, as a 
valiant band, they awaited the summons of their Captain to 
enter upon a vigorous warfare against Satan and all his 
works. Nor did they wait long. About fifty days after 
the Ascension, their Lord fulfilled his promise, and showed 
to what great power and glory he had been exalted, by 
sending the Holy Ghost upon them. They were at once 
filled with the manifold gifts of God. Their minds were 
lit up with a new and marvellous flame. They were con- 
firmed in the faith ; made fearless of what man could do 
unto them; endowed with new and greater powers, and 
especially with the ability to speak all languages, which 
enabled their hearers, of every nation, to understand them. 
At the same time they were animated with a zeal which 
nothing earthly could extinguish or lessen. In His wis- 
dom, God had ordered this great event to take place on 
the occasion of the Jewish festival of Pentecost. At this 
time there were many thousands of devout Jews assembled 
from all parts of the world at Jerusalem to attend the 
feast. This great multitude, being composed of different 
nations, spoke different languages. It was to this promis- 
cuous throng the Apostles preached after they had received 
the gift of the Holy Ghost. They astonished their hearers 
with the boldness and power with which they proclaimed 
the Gospel of Christ, and especially with their gift of 
tongues. For "they were all amazed, and marvelled, 
saying, one to another, Behold, are not all these Galileans ? 
And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein 
we were born ?" The success which attended this first 
day's labor was indeed glorious. Three thousand of those 

For what did they wait? How long? What was the effect of the 
spirit's descent? When did it take place? Of what was the multitude 
composed ? What effect had their preaching? 



24: PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

devout Jews were converted to the faith of Christ and 
were baptized on the same day. From this good begin- 
ning, the work of conversion moved on successfully. In a 
short time, the men alone who had become Christians num- 
bered five thousand, and among them were many Jewish 
priests. 

At this time the Apostles ordained seven deacons. The 
necessity for this act arose from the fact that complaints 
were made that partiality wrs shown in the use of the 
common fund. At this early period of the Church's His- 
tory its members held all their property in common, and 
distribution was made to all as they severally needed. 
The Grecian converts thought that partiality was shown by 
those who made this distribution, and that their widows 
did not receive as much as the Hebrew widows. To pre- 
vent any further complaint of this nature, seven men who 
were deemed best fitted to perform this office, were chosen 
from the disciples and ordained by the Apostles. In ad- 
dition to this office of " serving tables," the deacons were 
empowered to preach and baptize. 

Two of their number, St. Stephen and St. Philip, 
preached the Gospel with great power, and baptized those 
whom they converted. But St. Stephen, by his holy zeal 
and the wonders he performed, excited the envy and bitter 
hatred of the Jews. In their fury they seized him and 
hurried him before their council. Then by the aid of false 
witnesses, they endeavored to make some show of justice 
in their prosecution. But while they were thus cruelly 
engaged, they beheld a great wonder. They saw the face 



How many were converted? Were there any Jewish priests among 
them ? How many deacons were ordained ? By whom ? How was prop- 
erty held? What duties devolved on the deacons? Which of them 
were most noted ? What happened to Stephen? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 25 

of their sainted prisoner suddenly brighten into the beauty 
and glory of an angel's face. He appeared like Moses 
when he descended from the mount, from the presence 
of the Lord. While looking steadfastly upward towards 
heaven, he beheld the glory of God, and Jesus standing on 
His right hand. As this inspiring visic -pened to his gaze, 
he exclaimed in the presence of the council: "Behold, I 
see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing on 
the right hand of God !" This expression so inflamed his 
enemies, that they all ran to him at once, and having 
dragged him out of the city, they stoned him to death. 
Thus St. Stephen suffered death in witness of the truth of 
Christ, and has the honor of being the first Christian 
martyr. He suffered in the year of our Lord 34. 

Who was the first martyr ? Give an account of his death. 



26 PRINCIPLES OF CHUKCH HISTORY. 



CHAPTER II. 

LABOES AND PERSECUTION OF THE APOSTLES. 

After the ascension of our Lord, the Apostles confined 
their labors to the people of the Jews, for the space of 
about twelve years. In the mean while, Jerusalem was 
their centre of operations. Their labors were attended 
with great success. Having been instructed to preach the 
Gospel first to the Jews, they found Jerusalem well adapted 
to a beginning of their work. It was the heart of the 
Jewish Church, and every beating of that heart made a 
pulse in all parts of the body, even to its extremities. The 
conversion of the three thousand on the day of Pentecost 
showed how well the position was chosen to promote their 
work. Among the number were devout Jews out of every 
nation. At the conclusion of the feast they returned to 
their homes, and carried with them the good seed, faith in 
a crucified and risen Saviour. Thus was the doctrine of 
the cross diffused world-wide by the labors of that one 
day. 

Persecution also aided in scattering the seed of the Gos- 
pel among the nations. As the tempest, striking a bed of 
thistle-down, bears aloft the noxious seed and drops it in 
every field, garden, hedge, forest, and highway, far and 



How long did the disciples labor among the Jews alone ? What was 
the centre of their operations ? What advantage had this position ? What 
effect had persecution on the spread of the Gospel ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHTTECH HISTOEY. 27 

near, so persecution operated upon the doctrines of Christ, 
so odious to the Jews. The means which Satan employed 
to extinguish the infant life of the Church, resulted in its 
prosperity. St. Philip, driven by persecution, left Jerusa- 
lem and went to Samaria. He preached to the inhabitants, 
and they heard him gladly. Many were converted by his 
preaching, and he baptized them. When the Apostles 
heard of the happy results of his labors, they sent two of 
their number, St. Peter and St. John, to confirm them, 
who, when they had laid their hand upon them, received 
the Holy Ghost. Simon Magus, who professed to have 
been converted by the preaching of Philip, when he wit- 
nessed the miraculous gifts which the other disciples had 
received in the act of confirmation, offered the Apostles 
money if they would give him the same powers which 
they possessed. For this sin St. Peter severely rebuked 
him, saying, " Thy money perish with thee." In this act, 
Simon was the father of that evil which has infested the 
Church more or less in all ages, and which is called Simony, 
after his own name. He was likewise the leader of a her- 
esy that became very popular, and greatly perplexed the 
Church, called the Gnostic heresy. From Samaria, St. 
Philip was directed by the Spirit to go southward, and on 
his way he converted and baptized the Ethiopian ruler. 
Thus another gospel message, powerfully sustained, was 
sent into Africa. 

About this time, Saul, a learned, accomplished, and zeal- 
ous Jew, was engaged with all his powers and energy in 
persecuting the followers of Christ. He had received au- 



How did Satan defeat himself? What of St. Philip and his preaching? 
What can you say of Simon Magus? How was he rebuked? Simony, 
whence came this term? Of what, sect was he the father? What of St. 
Philip ? Saul, who was he ? 



28 PKINCIPLES OF CHUECH HISTORY. 

thority from the chief priests of his nation to persecute all 
Christians, of whatever age or sex, he should find. He 
was on his way to Damascus to execute his bloody com- 
mission, when his career was stopped. While he was 
pressing on his way towards that lovely city, which was so 
soon to be the theatre of his cruel exertions, the Lord over- 
whelmed him with his glory and power. He fell, amazed, 
to the earth. So bright and dazzling was this glory that 
it deprived him of his sight. As he lay prostrate on the 
ground, he heard that pathetic appeal which proved to 
him the greatest of blessings : " Saul, Saul, why persecu- 
test thou me ?" At once and earnestly he asked, " Who 
art thou, Lord ?" And the reply was sufficient to estab- 
lish his faith : "Iain Jesus whom thou persecutest." Then 
his will was subdued to that of Christ, and he inquired, 
" Lord, what wilt thou have me to do ?" The conversion 
of this great man was timely and of the greatest advan- 
tage to the Church. He had been educated in one of the 
best schools of his country. This enabled him to defend 
the faith of Christ with success against the reproaches and 
assaults of the Jewish doctors and heathen philosophers. 
He had great natural powers, and to these were added, 
when he became a Christian, the power of working mira- 
cles. He was prudent, patient, courageous, and persever- 
ing, and he devoted every ability he possessed to the work 
of his Divine Master. He labored to redeem the time he 
had lost in worse than idleness, and to make amends for 
the crime of which he had been guilty, of persecuting the 
Church. His Hebrew name was Saul, his Roman name 



What was his character ? In what was he engaged ? Give an account 
of his conversion. What can you say of his education ? What advantage 
did this give him ? What of his other qualifications ? What is said of his 
name? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 29 

Paul, and by this he was generally called. He made the 
thirteenth Apostle. This happy event occurred a. d. 35. 

For a time, persecution now ceased, and the Church had 
rest. This lull in the storm was owing to the conversion 
of Saul, its master-spirit, and the disposition of Caligula, 
the Roman emperor. 

The state of the Church was now most interesting. It 
increased rapidly in numbers, and charity shone brightly, 
while its fruits of brotherly love, peace, and harmony 
abounded. > Persecution served to purify it, and knit to- 
gether the hearts of the faithful into close union by a holy 
sympathy. Zealous for the cause in which they were en- 
gaged, and eager for the mighty work before them, the 
disciples went all abroad proclaiming the news of salva- 
tion through Christ. 

But before the blessed Apostles separated, and departed 
to fulfil their great commission of preaching the Gospel to 
all nations, they elected one from their number to be 
bishop of Jerusalem. St. James, one of the Lord's breth- 
ren, was chosen to fill this office. He was surnamed the 
Just, on account of his Christian virtue and holy life. St. 
Clement says the Lord had imparted to him the gift of 
knowledge. Jerusalem was therefore the first See, and St. 
James the Just its first bishop. 

The great success which followed the ministry of the 
disciples arose from those wonderful powers which they 
possessed to fasten conviction in the mind through the 
mighty miracles which they performed, their prophetic 
power, their discerning the thoughts and intents of the 



In what year was he converted? What circumstances put an end to 
persecution ? What was now the state of the Church ? Who was first 
bishop of Jerusalem ? What is said of St. James ? What says St. Clem- 
ent ? What was the cause of the disciples' great success ? 



30 PRINCIPLES OF CHUECH HISTOEY. 

heart, their contempt of riches and worldly honors, their 
patience under the severest trials, and their lives, which 
were free from guile, and were spent in the practice of all 
virtues. Such rich and powerful abilities, moved upon by 
a prudent and holy zeal, served to extend the Church rap- 
idly. These means of success were greatly increased by 
the power which the Apostles had of conferring then- gifts 
upon others. 

But all these things combined, served to inflame afresh 
the envy and hatred of the Jews, and they renewed the 
persecution which, upon the conversion of Saul, they had 
suspended. James, the son of Zebedee and brother of 
John, was beheaded. As he was led to the place of exe- 
cution, the man who conducted him was so deeply moved 
by his holy conduct and fidelity to Christ, that he was con- 
verted to the faith, and asked pardon of the blessed martyr 
for the harm he had intended to do him. St. James for- 
gave him with delight, saying, " Peace be to thee," and 
kissed him. They both suffered death at the same time. 
The Jews, meanwhile, at Jerusalem, sent to those of their 
nation in other places, to follow their example and perse- 
cute the followers of Christ wherever they could be found. 
To inflame them the more, they published false reports, 
which they intended should make every Christian odious 
in the eyes of their brethren. For this continued wicked- 
ness and cruelty of the nation that had shed the blood of 
their Lord and Messiah, a dreadful destruction was pre- 
paring, as a long-deserved judgment. Already the storm 
of vengeance began to fall. It came like the few drops 



What use did they make of their supernatural gifts ? What effect had 
these things on the Jews? What befell James, the son of Zebedee? 
What were the circumstances of his death ? What did the Jews at Jerusa- 
lem do ? What of God's vengeance upon them ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 31 

which descend from the herald clouds that fly before the 
desolating tempest. A great sedition and disturbance oc- 
curred on the occasion of a Passover at Jerusalem, in 
which it is said as many as thirty thousand Jews lost their 
lives. The city of Jerusalem was also scourged by a band 
of desperate murderers and robbers, who carried concealed 
weapons, and stabbed and robbed those of their own na- 
tion in the streets at midday. They spread fear and dread 
through the city. Pilate, also, who had been their base 
instrument in the murder of Christ, was brought to such 
straits that he put an end to his own life. But in spite of 
the enemies of the cross, the followers of Christ rapidly 
increased. 



What befell them at their Passover ? What scourge afflicted their city i 
What was the end of Pilate ? Did truth prevail ? 



32 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 



CHAPTER III. 

THE GOSPEL PREACHED TO THE GENTILES. 

The time having now arrived to preach the Gospel to 
the idolatrous Gentiles, St. Peter used the keys intrusted 
to him by his Lord, and opened the gates of the kingdom 
of Christ that all might enter. Being instructed in his 
work by the Spirit, he went to Caesarea and taught Cor- 
nelius, a devout Roman centurion. While he was in the 
act of preaching to this Roman and his friends, the Holy 
Ghost fell upon them, as He had done before on the con- 
verted Jews. Then St. Peter baptized all his hearers that 
had received the gift of the Holy Ghost. The other 
Apostles followed his example. St. Jude preached at 
Edessa, in Mesopotamia. St. Mark travelled to the south- 
west, and preached to the Egyptians. Having established 
the Church at Alexandria, he left Annianus as his succes- 
sor in the government of that see. The travels and la- 
bors of St. Paul, and the success which attended his minis- 
try, are better known to us than those of the other 
Apostles. His career was brilliant, most active, dauntless, 
and attended by a succession of severest trials by land and 
sea. He chose Barnabas as his companion, who had for- 
merly been his fellow-student under the famous doctor 
Gamaliel. The fame of Barnabas for piety and wisdom 

What is said of St. Peter ? What of his preaching ? The mission of St. 
Jude? Of St. Mark? Where did he establish the Church? Whom did 
he leave as his successor ? What of St. Paul's labors ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 33 

had placed him as a candidate for the apostleship beside 
Matthias. With this fit associate and helper, the great 
Apostle set out on his arduous mission. He first visited the 
cities of Asia Minor. He proceeded from Antioch to Se- 
leucia, and from thence, by sea, to Attalia. He then visited 
and preached in Salamis, Paphos, Perga, Antioch in Pisidia, 
Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. From Derbe he returned 
through the several cities he had just visited to Antioch, 
from whence he started. Here he gave an account to the 
Church of his journey, and its results. A dissension hav- 
ing arisen among the Christians in this place about cir- 
cumcision, he and Barnabas went up to Jerusalem to 
consult with the Apostles and elders about the matter. 
This council was held a. d. 49, and was the first ever 
held in the Church of Christ. It occurred before the 
death of St. James the Just, bishop of Jerusalem. He 
presided at the council, and after the other Apostles had 
expressed their several opinions on the subject, he gave 
his, which was adopted. This holy and honored Apostle 
was martyred in a brutal manner by the Jews. They 
threw him from a wing of the temple. The fall not hav- 
ing killed him, he arose and knelt, and prayed for his 
enemies in the words of Christ, "Father, forgive them, 
for they know not what they do." "While thus devoutly 
engaged in prayer for his enemies, they came upon him, 
and with stones and clubs beat him to death. Thus per- 
ished the first bishop of Jerusalem, a model in his life and 
death for all others. He was succeeded in his office by 
Simeon, a cousin of the Lord. 



What of Barnabas? Where did he preach on his first journey? To 
what city did he return ? What dissension arose ? Its cause ? How was 
it settled? When and where was the first council? Who presided? 
How did he suffer ? Who succeeded St. James ? 

2* 



34: PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

When St. James had announced the decree of the coun- 
cil relative to circumcision, St. Paul and St. Barnabas re- 
turned to the Church in Antioch, and made known the 
result. After remaining there some time, St. Paul pro- 
posed to Barnabas to commence another visitation of the 
churches in Asia Minor. But an unpleasant circumstance 
separated these well-tried and faithful friends. This oc- 
curred in consequence of the urgent wish of Barnabas, that 
his relation Mark might be their companion. To this ar- 
rangement St. Paul expressed a decided objection. For 
Mark had travelled with them on a former occasion and 
had been of no advantage to them, but rather a hindrance 
to their work. He had consulted his own ease and safety 
too much to please the ardent and intrepid Apostle ; and 
on one occasion had left them at Pamphylia, in the midst 
of their journey. His opposition to the measure was so 
determined, and the desire of St. Barnabas that he should 
go, so ardent, that these attached friends separated, and 
entered upon different fields of labor. In this way a little 
matter resulted in separating those beloved companions 
who had labored together in the ministry most harmoni- 
ously for nearly fourteen years. Thus we see how weak 
men are in their greatest strength: how fallible, even 
though inspired. But it resulted well for the Church, in 
the end. It aroused Mark into vigorous action, and he 
toiled nobly afterwards, in the cause of his Redeemer. He 
gave St. Paul occasion to speak well of his conduct as a 
good soldier and servant of Christ. It was about this time 
that St. Peter visited Antioch. This visit probably oc- 



"Where did St. Paul and Barnabas go after the council ? What caused 
their separation? What was St. Paul's objection to Mark ? What lesson 
does this circumstance teach ? What was the result to the Church and 
Mark ? What is said of St. Peter at Antioch ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 35 

curred soon after the adjournment of the council at Jeru- 
salem. Its object is not known. At that council, St. 
Peter had made the opening speech, and expressed himself 
in favor of St. Paul's course. He approved of placing all 
Christians on equality, whether Jew or Gentile. And such 
was the decree of the council. When he first arrived at 
Antioch he mingled freely with the Gentile Christians, and 
treated them as equals. But some Jewish Christians fol- 
lowed him to Antioch, who did not regard the decision of 
that council. They would not associate with the uncir- 
cumcised. Their conduct influenced St. Peter, and he be- 
gan to vacillate. As he had once declared himself ready 
to follow Christ, even to death, but had denied him in his 
darkest hour, through fear of a maid-servant, so now he 
was intimidated by these Judaizers. In the face of what 
he had said in the council, and its decree, he withdrew 
from the society of the Gentile Christians, influenced Bar- 
nabas and others to follow his example, and endangered 
the peace and unity of the Church. This conduct excited 
the indignation of St. Paul. He rebuked him " before all," 
and " withstood him to the face." No doubt the rebuke 
was merited, and produced sincere regret in the mind of 
St. Peter, as he had wept before at his cowardice and sin 
in denying his Lord. He afterwards spoke of St. Paul as 
" our beloved brother." 

Barnabas having separated from St. Paul, chose his 
young relative and friend, Mark, as his future companion. 
They went to the island of Cyprus, and there entered on 
their missionary work. In the year a. d. 50, St. Paul be- 
gan his second missionary journey. He chose Silas as his 

What of his conduct there ? How did he treat the Gentile Christians ? 
What evils resulted from his conduct ? Who rebuked hirn ? What did 
Barnabas do ? 



60 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

companion, and revisited the cities and towns where he had 
preached on his first journey. At Iconium he received 
Timothy as a second companion, who filled the place of 
Mark on his first journey, as Silas did that of Barnabas. 
With his two companions, he proceeded westward in his 
journey till he arrived at Troas. He had followed the 
guiding of the Spirit of God to this place. While await- 
ing here the further instruction of the Spirit, he saw in a 
vision of the night a man standing by his side. He ap- 
peared to be a messenger come from a distance, and wore 
the garb of a Macedonian. This man said to him, " Come 
over and help us." It was an eventful night to the Apostle 
and to the Church. He made arrangement for immediate 
departure on his journey. Before he left Troas he added a 
third to his travelling companions. This was " Luke, the 
beloved physician," whose medical care he probably needed, 
because of the poorness of his health. The same compan- 
ion also performed the office of historian of his travels, 
labors, and the circumstances and events that attended 
them. In the morning after he had seen the vision, he 
sailed with his companions for Macedonia. Here he visited 
and preached in Samothrace, Neapolis, Philippi, Amphip- 
olis, Apollonia, Thessalonica, and Berea. At the last of. 
these towns he left Silas and Timothy. With Luke he 
proceeded to Athens, and preached to the philosophers and 
students, who made the city a most renowned seat of learn- 
ing. In the year of our Lord 51, he was in Athens. From 
thence he went to Corinth, where Silas and Timothy joined 



When did St. Paul begin his second journey ? Who was his companion ? 
What other companions did he choose? What of his vision at Troas? 
What was Luke's profession ? What services did he perform ? Where did 
St. Paul go from Troas ? What other places did he visit ? Give an account 
of his labors. 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 37 

him. Here he remained and labored for many months. It 
was some time in a. d. 52 that he left Corinth and went to 
Cenchrea, the harbor of Corinth. The time had come 
when he deemed it right to leave Greece and once more 
visit Jerusalem. He wished to be present with the Jews, 
when they assembled in large numbers on the occasion of 
one of their festivals. From Cenchrea he sailed to Ephesus. 
Remaining a few days at this city, the Apostle improved his 
time in discussing the claims of Christianity with his Jewish 
fellow-countrymen. They expressed an earnest wish that 
he would remain with them. This he was unable to do, as 
the ship was on its way to Syria, and it would probably be 
his only opportunity of reaching Jerusalem in season for 
the approaching festival. And yet it is probably that he 
failed to reach the city in season. St. Luke gives us no 
account of any events having transpired while there. It is 
probable he merely saluted the Church in that mother of 
cities and returned to Antioch. 



"What induced him to leave Greece ? From what rcort did he sail ? Did 
he reach Jerusalem iu time ? 



38 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

CHAPTER IV. 

ST. PAUL'S THIRD JOURNEY AND HIS DEATH. 

On his third journey the companions of St. Paul were 
Timothy and Luke, and, possibly, Titus. The Apostle, with 
his companions, left Antioch in a. d. 55. He directed his 
course towards Ephesus. On his way he paid a hasty visit 
to the churches in Galatia and Phrygia. While visiting 
these churches Apollos came to Ephesus. He was a native 
of Alexandria, in Egypt, and had been educated in its 
famous schools. He had the reputation of being an accom- 
plished orator and an able expounder of the sacred Scrip- 
tures. This learned and eloquent Jew had become a disciple 
of John the Baptist, and received his baptism. He believed 
that the expected Messiah had come, and was as thoroughly 
instructed in the Gospel as a disciple of John could well be. 
Of the doctrines of Christ he had no knowledge ; but with 
a spirit, power, and zeal worthy of a disciple of John, he 
was preparing the minds of men to receive those doctrines. 
With this intent he came and preached to the Ephesians. 
Here he met Aquila and Priscilla, converts of St. Paul, who 
were well and thoroughly instructed in the doctrines of 
Christ. They became deeply interested in Apollos, and 
imparted to him all the knowledge they had acquired of 
Christianity. They informed him of the miraculous gifts 



Who were the companions of St. Paul on his third journey? When 
did he leave Antioch? What course did he go? Who was Apollos? 
What baptism did he receive? What was his character as a preacher? 
Where did he preach? Whom did he meet there? Who were Aquila 
and Priscilla? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHUECH HISTORY. 39 

which followed upon the conversion of men and women to 
Christ. By this providential circumstance having become 
acquainted with the doctrines of Christ, he cordially em- 
braced them, and devoted all his powers to their propa- 
gation. The Spirit moved him to go and preach the 
Gospel at Corinth — in a city where an Apostle had already 
preached and firmly established the Church. He was en- 
couraged in the discharge of this duty by the Christians at 
Ephesus. He accordingly sailed for Greece, and, on his 
arrival at Corinth, he exerted all the powers of eloquence 
and learning he possessed, in persuading men to become 
Christians. His efforts were very successful. But the 
enemy of souls never loses an opportunity of sowing tares 
among the good seed of a field, however well cultivated. 
So here, evil results followed the faithful and successful 
labors of Apollos, which he had not anticipated and could 
not prevent. The accomplished Corinthians were great 
admirers of eloquence. While listening to Apollos they 
paid more regard to his oratory than to his doctrines. 
They admired the preacher rather than the truths he 
preached. They saw so great a contrast between his manner 
and the plain, blunt style of St. Paul, that they refused any 
longer to look up to St. Paul as their teacher, but called 
themselves after the name of Apollos. Others, on the con- 
trary, were as zealously attached to St. Paul, as a teacher, 
and called themselves after his name. Thus divisions arose 
in the Corinthian Church. 

While Apollos was preaching at Corinth, St. Paul ar- 
rived at Ephesus. Here he preached about three years; 



What benefit did he receive from them ? Where did he go from Ephe- 
sus ? What success attended his labors at Corinth ? What evil conse- 
quences resulted ? What did the Corinthians most admire ? How did his 
style differ from St. Paul? 



40 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

established the Church, converted a great number to the 
faith, and ordained a number of presbyters to cany on the 
work he had begun. From Ephesus he sailed to Macedo- 
nia, and visited in course all the Churches he had estab- 
lished there and in Greece. Having finished the work he 
intended to do on his third journey, he again returned to 
Jerusalem in a. d. 58. While at Jerusalem he was seized 
by the Jews, who were resolved to put him to death. But 
he appealed to Csesar, and so was rescued from their power. 
He was sent to Rome for trial in a. d. 60 ; and, on his ar- 
rival, was cheered to find Christian brethren there, glad to 
receive him. Here he remained a prisoner for two years ; 
enjoying, in the mean while, much liberty, and constantly 
engaged in preaching the Gospel. But his enemies dared 
not prosecute him before the emperor. At length, being 
brought to trial before Nero, he was set at liberty. He 
then visited the Churches for the last time. At E23hesus 
he left Timothy to preside over the Church as bishop. 
From Ephesus he proceeded to the island of Crete, and 
appointed Titus to the apostolic office there, as he had 
Timothy at Ephesus. After this, passing through Mace- 
donia again, he journeyed as far west as Spain, and prob- 
ably the British isles. But now a dreadful storm gathered 
over the Church throughout the empire. Its great adver- 
sary, having failed to crush it by means of the hatred and 
cruelty of the Jews, brought in the heathen to their aid. 
The followers of Christ incurred the hatred of the heathen, 
because they despised their idol gods and exerted them- 
selves to put an end to their worship, because they labored 



Where was St. Paul at this time ? How long did he preach at Ephesus ? 
With what success ? Where did he next go ? How did the Jews treat 
him ? To whom did he appeal ? When did he arrive at Rome ? How did 
he fare there ? When set at liberty, where did he go ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHUECH HISTORY. 41 

successfully to convert the heathen to the faith of Christ, 
and because of the great simplicity of the Christian wor- 
ship. The Church had no temples, no sacrifices, no images, 
and no oracles. The heathen priests were most bitter in 
their hatred ; for their wickedness and the folly of their 
pretensions were exposed by the Apostles and their fellow- 
laborers. Their income was growing less, their influence 
was diminishing, and, unless a stop was put to the rapid 
spread of Christianity, they began to fear that their whole 
system would be overthrown and their power lost. At 
this time, a great fire broke out in Rome and consumed 
nearly half the city. Nero, the wicked emperor, was sus- 
pected of the crime of setting it on fire. To avert the 
storm, which he saw was ready to burst on his own head, 
he accused the hated Christians of the deed. Too ready 
were their enemies to favor the charge, and to encourage 
Nero in his intention to exterminate Christianity. Then 
followed one of the most atrocious persecutions on record. 
The emperor, with the power and delight of a monster, 
caused multitudes to be put to death in a manner most 
revolting and terrifying to humanity. Some he wrapped 
in material that would burn with great fury, and then set 
fire to them in the streets of Rome as night torches, and 
so they were consumed. Others he tied in sacks with 
living serpents, and cast them into the river. Some were 
thrown to wild beasts, and by them were torn to pieces 
and devoured. Others again were compelled to suffer the 
death of the cross. At this time, St. Paul was probably 



How did Christians incur the hatred of the heathen ? What did the Apos- 
tles expose ? What effect did their preaching have on the heathen priests ? 
Of what crime was Nero believed to be guilty ? How did he evade the 
charge of burning Koine ? On whom was the guilt laid ? How did he per- 
secute ? 



42 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

at a distance from Rome. But all Christians, wherever 
found, were considered accomplices. He was apprehended 
and sent to Rome, and there placed under severe restraint. 
He was not allowed, as during his first imprisonment, to 
preach to all who would assemble to hear him. Yet a few 
distinguished persons visited him, to whom he imparted 
the knowledge of the truth. Among these was Claudia, 
daughter of a British king. But very few of his brethren 
stood by him in this time of peril. As the disciples had 
forsaken their Lord in the hour of severest trial, so now St. 
Paul was left to struggle alone with his embittered foes. 
St. Luke, the beloved physician, ever faithful and true, 
stood by him to the last. But the great Apostle was 
satisfied that he was near the end of his pilgrimage. To 
this effect he wrote to his beloved son, Timothy: "I am 
now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is 
at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished my 
course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth is laid up for me 
the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous 
Judge, shall give me at that day." He was brought to 
trial and condemned. Being a Roman citizen, he escaped 
the cruel tortures and painful death inflicted on others. 
He was beheaded with a sword. 

St. Peter is said to have suffered martyrdom about the 
same time and in the same city. The history of this 
Apostle is involved in much obscurity. His mission was 
to the Jews, as St. Paul's was to the Gentiles. By some he 
is believed to have preached in those countries mentioned 



Where was St. Paul? What befell him? Did he enjoy his former lib- 
erty? Who was permitted to hear him ? Who was Claudia ? Who proved 
faithful to the last ? What was the import of St. Paul's letter to Timothy ? 
In what maimer did he suffer ? What other Apostle suffered at the same 
time ? What is said of his history and mission ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 43 

in his first epistle, and at Babylon, in Mesopotamia. There 
were a multitude of Jews dwelling at Babylon in his day, 
and from there he seems to have written his first epistle. 
Others believe that by Babylon, Rome is to be understood ; 
that the same motives induced him to call Rome by this 
name that influenced St. John in his Revelation. He is 
said to have suffered martyrdom at Rome, in a. d. 66. A 
beautiful legend tells us, that the same weakness which 
made him deny his Lord before a maid-servant, and which 
called forth the rebuke of St. Paul at Antioch, followed 
him to the last. It says, that, through fear of martyrdom, 
he was leaving Rome by the Appian Road, in the early 
dawn. Here he met his Lord, whom he had before so 
shamefully denied. He cast himself at his feet and asked 
him, " Whither goest thou, Lord ?" To which the Lord 
replied, "I come again to be crucified." Hearing these 
words, he returned penitent and ashamed, and submitted 
to martyrdom. He was crucified with his head towards 
the earth, by his own request, because he felt himself 
unworthy to die in the manner of his Master. It is gener- 
ally believed that all the Apostles suffered the martyr's 
death except St. John. The persecution under Nero 
lasted four years. It closed with the wretched death of 
the tyrant. He was driven from his throne and condemned 
to death. Having attempted to take his own life and 
failed, he persuaded one of his servants who attended him 
to do it for him. Thus he proved the truth of Scripture, 
" The bloody and deceitful man shall not live out half his 
days." 

Where did he preach? What is said of Babylon? What variety in 
opinion exists? When did he suffer? What beautiful legend is told of 
him in his last trial ? In what manner did he suffer ? Did all the Apostles 
suffer martyrdom ? How long did the persecution last? What was the 
end of Nero ? 



44 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 



CHAPTEE V. 

GIFTS, OFFICES, AND DIVISIONS OF THE APOSTOLIC AGE. 

The most remarkable feature of the apostolic age was 
the supernatural gifts bestowed upon the disciples of Christ. 
God gave them power, in the name of Christ, to change 
the usual operations of the laws of nature. The exercise 
of this power is called the working of miracles. This 
power was not only exercised by the Apostles, presbyters, 
and deacons, but by other Christians also. None could do 
miracles, however, who did not possess that gift of faith 
which was extraordinary in its character. This faith con- 
sisted in an intense belief that every obstacle must give 
way before the power it invoked ; that if exerted in moving 
a mountain to the depth of the sea, the mountain would 
obey. It was a wonder-working faith, and a gift peculiar 
to the apostolic age. When God withdrew it, the age of 
miracles ceased. But it produced, besides miracles, other 
wonderful results. By means of the gift of tongues, the 
Apostles were enabled to be understood, on the day of 
Pentecost, by all the Jews assembled at Jerusalem from all 
parts of the world. This gift did not consist in a knowl- 
edge of foreign languages. It was the result of that faith, 
which was brought into exercise from a desire that all 

What was most remarkable in the apostolic age? What supernatural 
gifts did God bestow ? Who used this power ? What is said of extraordi- 
nary faith ? What other gifts besides miracles did this faith produce ? 
What was the gift of tongues? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 45 

mankind should understand the doctrines they preached. 
It is probable they had no knowledge of the meaning of 
the words they used. The Spirit put the words in their 
mouths, and they uttered them. No one could understand 
what they said except the persons from that foreign coun- 
try to whom the Spirit conveyed instruction. 

The gift of prophecy was widely diffused among the 
members of the Church. It enabled those who possessed 
it to utter warnings, exhortations, encouragements, or 
rebuke with the authority of inspiration. It enabled them, 
with supernatural power, to teach and enforce the doctrines 
of Christianity. By it some were also enabled to foretell 
future events. This gift was of the greatest practical ad- 
vantage to the Church in its rise. It was a very successful 
instrument in the conversion of unbelievers and in restrain- 
ing the excesses of the brethren. The divine energy and 
power it gave the manner and words of those to whom it 
was imparted, inspired awe and reverence in the hearer. 

The ministers of the Church were, from the beginning, 
divided into three orders. These orders were divinely 
appointed, and, therefore, all that is essential to them has 
been always retained. But a change has taken place in 
the names by which they were at first called. To the time 
of St. Paul's death, the chief officers in the Church were 
called Apostles. Their spiritual powers were more numer- 
ous, and some of these powers were superior to those of 
the inferior clergy. They preached and administered the 
sacraments. They held the keys of the kingdom of Christ. 



"Did the Apostles understand what they spoke? Who understood them ? 
"What was the gift of prophecy ? What did it enable them to do ? What 
advantage to the Church ? Into how many orders were the ministers di- 
vided ? How appointed ? What change took place ? What were the 
spiritual powers of the Apostles ? What duties devolved on them? 



46 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

And " they that have the keys of the kingdom of heaven," 
says Hooker, " are thereby signified to be the stewards of 
the house of God, under whom they guide, command, 
judge, and correct the family." They were set apart to 
the office of the ministry as was Christ, and by him they 
were empowered to bind or loose the members of his 
Church. To them only was given authority to ordain 
others, both to their own order and to the inferior orders. 
They alone confirmed, presided in councils, and declared 
the decrees and sentiments of the councils. They had rule 
over the inferior orders, and over the Churches which 
they founded. They were on equality among themselves, 
as an order of the ministry, in spiritual power, dignity, and 
authority. Besides these, they had extraordinary and 
temporary powers. They had absolute power to govern 
the Church. All their teaching was inspired. They were 
empowered to bind or loose the sins of men, which office 
their supernatural gifts enabled them to perform with jus- 
tice. Their labors were not confined to a see or diocese, 
as has been the case with bishops since their day. They 
went east, west, north, and south, bearing the glad tidings 
of salvation through the merits of Christ, and each gov- 
erned the Churches w T hich he founded. 

The ministers, next to the Apostles in position and power 
in the Church, were called bishops, or overseers ; presby- 
ters, or elders. They were to be men of correct Christian 
lives, prudent, " apt to teach," and called of the Holy Ghost 
to the sacred office. They were examined and ordained 



Who gave thetn power ? "Who only had power to ordain others ? "What 
other powers had they ? Did they acknowledge any superior among them- 
selves? What extraordinary and temporary powers had they ? What was 
their field of labor ? What names were given to the second order ? What 
were the duties of presbyters ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 47 

by an Apostle : were empowered to preach ; to aid in ruling 
the Church ; to administer the sacraments ; to watch over 
and inspect the conduct of those placed under their spiritual 
charge ; and to sit in councils. From their number the 
Apostles chose one to rule over each of those smaller por- 
tions of the Church which were afterwards called sees or dio- 
ceses. They made them their successors in office, and con- 
ferred upon them all their own powers, save those that 
were extraordinary and temporary. 

The third order of the ministry were called deacons. 
They were to be presented to an Apostle, and approved and 
ordained by him. It was their duty to receive and distrib- 
ute the alms of the Church ; to preach, when occasion 
required it ; to baptize ; to aM in administering the holy 
communion ; and to attend on their presbyters at divine 
service. It would be gratifying to find, in the history of 
the Church, at least one period when there was perfect 
unity and peace. But this is impossible. From the beginning 
there have been strife and divisions in the Church. While 
the Apostles poured out the wine and broke the bread of 
that one body, there was a violation of this symbol of unity. 
The kiss of peace was too often but a veil that concealed 
warring hearts. St. Paul expressed his grief to the Corin- 
thians that there were divisions among them. These divi- 
sions were apparent when they assembled for public worship. 
The earliest division that assumed the form of a sect, was 
made by Judaizing teachers. Their object was to turn the 
newly converted Christians into Jewish proselytes; to 

Who were chosen from this order ? What did they become ? What 
name was given to the third order ? What was their duty ? Was the 
Church ever at perfect peace and unity ? What is said of the violation of 
the symbol of unity ? What of the kiss of peace ? What does St. Paul 
say of the Corinthians ? What was the cause of the first sect ? What wa3 
the wish of Judaizers ? 



48 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

make them a sect of the Jews. They would have them 
only differ from the Jews by the belief that the expected 
Messiah had already come, in the person of Jesus Christ. 
They insisted that it was the duty of all Christians to ob- 
serve the law of Moses, and that the right of circumcision 
must be observed on the peril of the soul. The first coun- 
cil of the Christian Church was called to settle this contro- 
versy and heal the division it had made. By a decree of 
the council, the doctrine of this sect was condemned. Yet 
the Judaizing teachers persisted in their course and stoutly 
resisted the decree. They became a powerful party, and 
caused much bitterness and strife in the infant Church. 

Another sect, which became vastly greater in number, 
power, influence, and durability than the Judaizers, had its 
birth in apostolic times. This was the " Gnostic heresy," of 
which Simon Magus was the father. They were fanatics, 
and the promoters of most dangerous errors. They denied 
the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead, — the great 
central truth of Christianity. They contended that all 
things were lawful for the wicked ; that all outward acts 
were innocent, and adopted the worst precept of Atheism, 
"Let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die." They pro- 
fessed to have a deep and philosophic insight into the 
mysteries of religion, and introduced a " worship of an- 
gels." They are . represented to have been engaged in 
"endless genealogies," in fanciful myths, concerning the 
origin and emanation of spiritual beings. This became 
one of the distinct principles of this heresy. They prac- 



What did they enjoin on all Christians? What was the object of the 
first council ? What did it decree ? What effect did it have ? What other 
sect is mentioned ? Who was its father ? What did they deny ? What 
abominations did they consider lawful? What did they believe? What 
acts did they practice ? What indulgences did they allow ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 49 

tised the arts of magic and witchcraft, and taught that 
indulgence in idol feasts and sensual impurities was prop- 
er. With all these abominations they encouraged dis- 
obedience to law and government, and resisted the lawful 
authority of their rulers. In this way they became the 
promoters of anarchy in politics. This party rapidly in- 
creased in numbers, and soon outnumbered the Judaizers. 
As two deadly serpents, each eager to seize and devour an 
infant, unite their folds in crushing its tender frame, so did 
these two sects, as agents of the evil one, exert themselves 
to crush out the life of the infant Church. Yet these were 
not the only forms of error — not the only cause of division. 
They were only the more formidable ones. There were 
other forms, with which the Church had to contend, at this 
early period : showing that it was militant from the first ; 
that God never forces any generation of men into virtue, 
unity, and peace, nor renders heresy impossible. And so 
He teaches us that while He desires His Church on earth 
to be " without spot, wrinkle, or any such thing," we can- 
not reasonably expect to see it such until it is triumphant. 



Did they encourage obedience to law ? What can you say of their in- 
crease ? "What illustration is given ? Were these the only systems of error ? 
What does God desire of His Church ? Can we expect it to be so ? 

3 



50 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 



CHAPTER VI. ' 

THE IMMEDIATE SUCCESSORS OF THE APOSTLES, SACRA- 
MENTS, ETC 

In a previous chapter it was observed that Jerusalem 
was the first see, and St. James the Just its bishop. In 
the year of our Lord 62, he suffered martyrdom, and was 
succeeded by Simeon, cousin of Christ. It has been also 
stated that the Church in Africa was first established by St. 
Mark, at Alexandria, and that upon his departure he ap- 
pointed Annianus bishop of that see. St. Peter and St. 
Paul are said to have united in establishing the sees of 
Antioch and Home, and in appointing their first bishops. 
Over the former they appointed Euodius, whose successor 
was the celebrated martyr, Ignatius. Linus has the honor 
of being the first bishop of Rome. He is mentioned by St. 
Paul, in his epistle to Timothy, written from Rome, saying, 
" Eubulus, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, salute 
thee." After he had held the office twelve years, he trans- 
ferred it to Anacletus, in the second year of the reign of 
Titus. After it had been held by Anacletus the same 
length of time, Clement succeeded him. St. Paul speaks 
of Clement as his fellow-laborer, in his epistle to the Phi- 



What was the first see ? "Who its bishop ? When did he suffer ? Who 
was his successor ? Where was the African Church first established ? By 
whom ? Who was the first bishop at Alexandria ? Who the first of Anti- 
och and Eome ? Where is Linus mentioned % How long did he hold the 
office ? Who was his successor ? When did Clement become bishop ? 
What does St. Paul say of Clement ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 51 

lippians, saying, " With Clement and the rest of my fellow- 
laborers, whose names are written in heaven." The same 
Apostle appointed Timothy bishop of Ephesus, where were 
many presbyters. Titus he made bishop of Crete, a large 
island in the Mediterranean, now called Candia, which once 
was extremely populous, having, says Homer, a hundred 
cities. 

There is no reliable evidence that either St. Peter or St. 
Paul was ever a settled bishop of a see or diocese. By the 
extraordinary powers with which they were endowed, and 
a peculiar Divine mission, it was made their duty to per- 
form the office of bishops at large. Each one visited and 
governed the Churches which he established, and was the 
overseer of them all. And among the labors enumerated 
by St. Paul, which he had to perform, he mentions "his 
care of all the Churches." 

Though the Apostles possessed such superior powers of 
government, they, by no means, used their power in a des- 
potic way. Aided by inspiration, in the use of their office, 
they were models for their successors. The presbyters 
shared with them their power to administer the sacra- 
ments ; to preach ; to conduct the public worship of the 
Church ; to have a voice in its councils, and a vote in the 
choice of its officers ; to even take part with them in the 
ordination of men to their own order. The deacons were 
empowered to baptize ; to preach ; to assist in other church 
offices. Their office particularly fitted them for going about 
and doing good, " as angels and prophets." The people, 



Who were Timothy and Titus ? What of St. Peter and St. Paul ? What 
was the extent of St. Paul's care ? What kind of government did they ex- 
ercise? What share had the presbyters in ministry and government? 
What power had the deacons ? What share had the people in Church 
government ? 



52 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

too, were encouraged in taking an active part in conducting 
the affairs of the Church. They were present at its coun- 
cils ; their names were associated with Apostles and elders 
in issuing decrees. In the choice of ministers they had a 
voice, and they were at liberty to give of their substance 
as they saw fit. In common and in public worship they 
performed an important office ; and even in acts of Church 
discipline they were encouraged in taking part. Thus, from 
the beginning, it has been ordered and established that im- 
portant and responsible duties devolve upon each order of 
the ministry and upon the laity. As, in the solar system, each 
primary planet revolves around its sun and centre, and each 
secondary planet around its own superior planet, and yet 
none the less around the sun — all in beautiful order ; so in 
the Church, the different orders of the ministry, with the 
laity — arranged in perfect order — revolve around its Head, 
and all contribute to reflect the glory of their Sun and 
Centre. 

The kingdom of God on earth has always had a door of 
entrance through which man must enter to become its citi- 
zen. This was as truly the case when that kingdom was 
confined to the narrow limits of the nation of Jews, as 
when, under Christ, it became world-wide. Previous to 
the establishment of the Christian Church, that door of en- 
trance was the right of circumcision, but under Christ it 
has been baptism. During the former part of this century, 
it was the practice to baptize upon the simple act of pro- 
fessing faith in Christ and his doctrines. But a change took 
place, during the latter part of this century, in this respect. 



Did they have a voice in acts of discipline ? What illustration is given 
of the influence of all orders of Christians? What is said of a door of en- 
trance to the Church ? What was this door in the Jewish Church ? What 
in the Christian ? What was required of the candidate for baptism ? 






PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 53 

Then, before baptism, the adult 'converts were carefully- 
taught all the essential principles of the Christian religion, 
and while in this state of preparation "they were called Cate- 
chumens. Nor were the children of Christian parents and 
guardians neglected. They were baptized and became the 
lambs of the fold, while the greatest pains were taken to in- 
struct them in the sacred Scriptures and doctrines of our holy 
religion. They were not only taught these principles at home, 
but the best-qualified teachers were employed to aid in their 
instruction. To aid this work of religious instruction, 
schools were established in many places, while the most 
honored and holy men in the Church set the example of 
building them up. St. Mark founded a school at Alexan- 
dria ; St. John established one at Ephesus, and St. Poly- 
carp, his pupil, erected another at Smyrna, of which city 
he was bishop. The prime object of these schools was to 
train up the young as intelligent and pious Christians. But 
they had no uniform symbol of faith, in the form of a creed, 
to guide them in their course of instruction. At this time 
there were a number of forms which expressed the same 
great and essential principles of faith that are contained 
in the Apostles' Creed. It is, therefore, probable that the 
Apostles' Creed was not composed by the Apostles ; for if 
it had been, then the primitive Church would from the 
earliest times have used it as the one and only symbol of 
faith. Nor were the "Apostolic Canons" composed by 
them, but by councils held at different times before the first 
general council. In addition to these helps, the Church 



"What change took pTfece ? "What is said of children 1 In what were 
they instructed ? What is said of schools ? Where were they erected? 
What was the prime object of these schools ? What is said of creeds ? 
Was the Apostles' Creed composed by them? "What of the " Apostolio 
Canons ?" What is said of discipline ? 



54: PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

was blessed with a prompt and prudent exercise of disci- 
pline, which contributed greatly to the preservation of its 
purity. Its rulers possessed the power and the right to 
exclude every member, who by his gross sins and immo- 
rality, brought i^proach upon its sacred character. And, 
though it was necessary sometimes to deal severely with an 
erring brother, yet mercy attended the discipline, and a 
way was left open for reconciliation and a return to Church 
communion, through penitence and amendment of life. 

The holy communion was very frequently administered 
to the faithful at this early period. It was considered a 
most precious privilege to partake of this blessed sacra- 
ment ; and they delighted to honor their Lord and bless 
their souls by frequently calling to mind, in this way, his 
dreadful sufferings for our redemption and salvation. It 
was administered as often as each Lord's day. . This day, 
the first of the week, had taken the place of the Jewish 
sabbath. The change of the seventh day of the week for 
that of the first, to be kept holy to the Lord, took place at 
the very beginning of the Christian Church. It was adopt- 
ed by the Church at Jerusalem, which was the first and 
mother of all Churches, and the example was followed by* 
all the rest of the Christian world. The Jewish Christians 
also kept the seventh day as a holy festival, and the prac- 
tice was not opposed by the rest of the Church. Other 
sacred festivals were observed from the earliest times. 
Among the most important of these were Christmas, kept 
in honor of the birth of our Lord, on the 25th of Decem- 



"What of its exercise ? Was it severe ? What was the way to reconcili- 
ation ? What can you say of the holy communion ? How was it esteem- 
ed ? How often administered ? What issaid of the Lord's day ? By what 
Church was it adopted first ? Which was the mother Church ? What is 
said of Jewish Christians ? What were the principal festivals? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 55 

ber ; Easter, a festival that answers to the Jewish Pascha, 
or Passover, and so called by most nations, kept in honor 
of the resurrection of Christ; and Whitsunday, so called 
from the light shed upon the Apostles by the descent of 
the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost, and chiefly be- 
cause of the white garments worn upon that day by those 
who were about to be baptized, kept in honor of the advent 
of the Divine Comforter. The day called Ascension they 
likewise observed, in honor of our Lord's ascent to heaven. 
Besides these festivals, days were observed in honor of the 
saints, to perpetuate their memory, their holy lives, their 
godly deeds, and their pure and heavenly characters in 
life and in death. There were fasts, too, observed by 
Christians at this early period. The chief of these, and the 
one most carefully observed, was that held in honor of the 
sufferings and death of the Saviour. But as fasting was 
not established by the Church as binding on its members, 
and was therefore entirely voluntary, this fast was kept by 
some for only one day, by others for many days, and yet 
others observed it forty days. Fasting has always been 
considered a means of spiritual benefit, when practised to 
the proper extent and with a right mind. 

Prescribed forms of prayer were used in the Christian 
Church at this early period of its history. There are sev- 
eral famous liturgies whose histories run back, for their 
origin, to the times of the Apostles. The liturgy of Jeru- 
salem, or Antioch, is supposed to have had its source from 
St. James, bishop of Jerusalem. St. Mark's liturgy is so 



What did they commemorate ? What is said of Whitsunday ? What 
of Ascension? What other festivals are mentioned ? What was their ob- 
ject? What particular fast day is mentioned? Was fasting made bind- 
ing ? What is said of its benefits ? What'of prescribed forms of prayer ? 
Were there liturgies at this time? 



56 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

called because it is believed that it began with him. St. 
John's has its name for the same reason, and so has St. 
Peter's. They all agree in several important particulars, 
and give a sacred sanction to the use of prescribed forms 
of prayer in public worship. 

Mention the several apostolic liturgies. 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 57 



CHAPTER VII. 

DESTRUCTION OE JERUSALEM. — DISPERSION OF THE JEWS. 
ST. JOHN. 

After the death of the cruel ISTero, the Church enjoyed, 
for several years, a good degree of rest from the bitter 
sorrows of persecution. Christians were thus allowed, in 
painful quiet, to behold the pouring out of God's awful 
judgments upon his wicked people, the Jews. Christ's 
fearful prediction concerning the destruction of Jerusalem 
was about to be fulfilled. The cause of that lamentation 
and those tears of our Saviour over the devoted city and 
its inhabitants, was now about to be realized. The cup of 
their iniquity was full to overflowing. They had not only 
crucified Christ, their Messiah, and spurned his doctrines, 
but had bitterly persecuted his disciples, and with cruel 
hatred had become the willing instruments of Satan in 
attempting to utterly extinguish the name of Christian 
from the earth. To make their design successful, they 
had excited the jealousy and hatred of the heathen, and 
conspired with them to destroy the Church. And this 
they did while professing to loathe all idolaters. After 
God had suffered them to proceed so far in their wicked- 
ness, His forbearance ceased, and He brought upon them 

What was the state of the Church after Nero's death ? What painful 
sight was the Church to "behold ? What sins had the Jews been guilty of? 
To what means did they resort to destroy the Church ? What did God do 
to thern ? 

8* 



58 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

a flood of sorrows so overwhelming as to amaze the world. 
Titus, son of the emperor Vespasian, with his army, was 
the instrument employed to accomplish these judgments. 
He encamped around and laid siege to Jerusalem, driving 
the Jews to the most dreadful straits. They suffered hor- 
rors that make humanity shudder, and which pass the 
power of man to describe. Amidst the awful calamities 
that then befell this devoted city, there was one circum- 
stance occurred of peculiar horror. Before Titus began 
the siege, a woman, distinguished for her rank and wealth, 
took refuge in the city, with a multitude of others. She 
had a little son, whom she loved with all the fondness and 
tenderness that warms the bosom of an affectionate mother. 
While the siege progressed, the inhabitants suffered the 
extremities of famine. In the mean while, robbers broke 
into her dwelling and forcibly took from her all the pro- 
visions they could find. This event deprived her of every 
resource for her support. She was driven to such extrem- 
ities by the gnawings of hunger, that she tried to induce 
the robbers, who daily rushed into her house in quest of 
more food, to kill her. This they would not do. Then, 
in a state of madness caused by the cravings of hunger, 
she seized her little son, who was yet at her breast, and 
said to him, " Wretched child ! in the midst of war, famine, 
and discord, why do I preserve thee? Our condition 
among the Romans, though we might live, would be 
slavery. But even the horrors of famine, and the cruelty 
of these robbers, come upon us before slavery. Come, be 
thou food for me, vengeance to these murderers, and a tale 
for men, the only one yet wanting to complete the miser- 



What instrument did he rise ? "Who was Titus ? What of their punish- 
ment ? Give an account of one example of the horrors of the siege. What 
did she request of the robbers ? What awful deed did she perform ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 59 

ies of the Jews." As she said this, she killed her son and 
roasted him. When this deed was done, she devoured 
half the body, and covering over the other half, laid it 
away. It was not long before the robbers again rushed 
into the house, and- smelling the roasted food, they threat- 
ened to kill her instantly if she did not present it to them. 
She replied that she had left a portion of it for them, and 
then uncovered the remains of her son. When they saw 
this awful sight, they were filled with amazement and 
alarm, and stood stupefied. She then invited them to eat ; 
but if they were unwilling, she desired them to leave the 
food for her. Trembling, they withdrew from the wretch- 
ed mother, and spread the alarm through the city. This 
is but one of a thousand incidents of horror that occurred 
during the siege and capture of Jerusalem. More than a 
million of Jews perished, and nearly a hundred thousand 
were taken prisoners and sold as slaves, or given to the fury 
of wild beasts to make sport for the conquerors. The city 
was levelled with the ground, and the remnants of the 
nation were scattered over the world, to be a hissing and 
byword among the nations. In this signal manner did the 
offended God visit upon them his just judgments, and so 
relieved the Church of their power to persecute. This 
memorable event occurred in the year of our Lord 70. 

The rest which the Church then enjoyed was used to 
good advantage in consolidating and confirming its strength. 
An opportunity was offered of enlarging its means of de- 
fence and preparing for yet more desperate trials and 
glorious triumphs. . Especially it afforded an opportunity 

What took place after she had consumed a part of her child ? What ef- 
fect had the circumstance on the robbers ? What number of Jews per- 
ished ? How many were made prisoners ? What became of the city ? What 
of the nation? When did this occur? What use did the Church make of 
its year of rest? 



60 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

to collect in a volume the sacred Scriptures of the New 
Testament. In the prosecution of this work, the four Gos- 
pels were first framed into a volume; and of these, the first 
three received the approval of St. John, the beloved disci- 
ple of our Lord. The fourth was written by himself. It 
is probable that he also gave his approval to the other 
books of the New Testament. There were many spurious 
narratives about Christ and his Apostles, then in circu- 
lation, and this fact rendered it a matter of the utmost im- 
portance that the proper persons should be employed to 
identify them. When the work was complete, the most 
laudable zeal was manifest, on the part of those members of 
the Church who had the ability, in placing in the hands of 
all Christians copies of both the Old and New Testament. 
At that time the sacred Scriptures were esteemed by the 
faithful more precious than any treasure of this world. 
They were diligently studied, and their truths treasured up 
in the memory with all the diligence that honey is stored 
in its cell by the bee. When the preacher expounded these 
truths the people listened with profoundest interest and pleas- 
ure. Their interest was doubtless increased by the manner 
in which they were uttered ; for there was no effort made 
by the speaker to appear eloquent, after the fashion of 
heathen orators. They delivered the truth in a simple and 
direct manner, and being moved by the powerful influence of 
the Holy Ghost, and a glowing love and admiration of the 
sentiments they uttered, they confirmed the faith and de- 
lighted the hearts of believers, while they fastened convic- 
tion on the minds of unbelievers. After the death of St. 



Which books of the New Testament were first put in a volume ? What 
is said of St. John's approval ? What of spurious works ? What of the 
circulation of the Scriptures ? How were they esteemed ? What is said of 
the style of preaching? Its effect? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 61 

Paul, a change appears to have taken place in the name 
by which the chief officers of the Church were called. 
They were no longer called Apostles ; but St. John, in the 
book of Revelation, calls them angels. St. Clement, bishop 
of Rome, distinguishes the several orders in yet another 
way : he named them after the three orders in the Jewish 
Church. The chief officers he called high priests ; the 
next in order, priests ; and deacons, he called Levites ; 
while to all the other members of the Church he first gave 
the name of laymen, from the Greek word laos, meaning 
people in distinction from the clergy. 

Upon the Lord's day, and other holy days, the laity pre- 
sented their offerings for the support of the clergy and the 
poor, as they had been prospered. At first there were no 
church buildings, and public worship was performed in pri- 
vate houses, and other buildings, as convenience offered. 
But after a time this want was supplied by edifices set apart 
for this express purpose, where the books and necessary 
furniture for conducting the services of the Church were 
kept. 

The practice, recommended by St. James, of calling for 
the elders of the Church, in case of sickness, to pray for and 
anoint the sick person with oil for his recovery, was con- 
tinued through this century. It was a Jewish practice, 
and the prayer now being offered with miraculous faith, by 
Jewish Christians, was effectual in the cure of disease. 

Distinguished fathers among the faithful, edified and blest 
the Church by their writings. St. Clement, of Rome, who 
had been the friend and companion of St. Paul, and who 



What change took place in the name of Apostle ? What name did they 
now bear? How did Clement distinguish the orders? What is said of 
the offerings of the laity ? What of church buildings ? What were kept 
in churches? What practice was recommended by St. James ? 



62 PRINCIPLES OF CHUECH HISTOET. 

had been ordained by him or St. Peter, or both, was the 
most distinguished Christian writer of the century, next to 
the Apostles. St. Ignatius, the disciple of St. John, and bish- 
op of Antioch, also left a monument in his writings which 
will prove a valuable treasure to the Church to the latest ages. 

The second general persecution occurred in a. d. 95. The 
emperor Domitian, who was its author, was moved to his 
cruel and wicked purpose through a vain fear which in some 
way possessed his mind, that he was in danger of losing his 
crown by means of some relative of Christ. But his perse- 
cution was of short duration. His suspicious mind and 
extremely cruel nature emboldened some desperate persons 
to conspire against him and slay him. The general fear 
and hatred he inspired was increased by the manner 
in which he treated the Roman senate. On one occasion 
he invited the senators to a feast in his palace. "When they 
arrived he ordered them to be conducted to a gloomy hall 
under ground, dimly lighted with tapers, hung w T ith black, 
and provided with coffins, one for each of his guests, whose 
name was inscribed on its lid. Soldiers then entered with 
drawn swords and threatened their lives. Then the emperor 
dismissed them, thinking he had played upon them a remark- 
ably fine joke. Probably, in return for this treatment, the 
senate would not allow his dead body to be buried. There 
was as general rejoicing upon the event of his death, as 
there had been fear while he was living. 

Among the martjTS who perished during this persecu- 
tion, were Flavius Clemens, a man of great dignity and 



What of St. Clement as a writer? "Who was St. Ignatius? What of his 
writings? When did the second general persecution begin? What was 
the character of Domitian ? How did he die ? How did he treat the Eoman 
senate ? How did they treat his body ? What effect had his death on the 
people? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 63 

high position in the State, and Domatilla, his niece. St. 
John became in will a martyr. He is said to have been 
thrown into a caldron of boiling oil, and, by a miracle, to 
have escaped unhurt. He was then banished to the island 
of Patmos, where he crowned the labors and events of his 
illustrious life by writing that wonderful book, entitled his 
Revelation. After the death of Domitian, he went to 
Ephesus, and there spent the remnant of his days. At this 
advanced period of his life, an affecting event is related to 
have occurred, in which he was chief actor. On a certain 
occasion, while visiting one of the bishops of Asia, he saw 
a youth whose appearance was strikingly attractive and 
interesting. This youth he earnestly commended to the 
care of the bishop. His request was most cheerfully com- 
plied with, and the youth was educated with the greatest 
care, and baptized. But when the bishop had done thus 
much, thinking him thoroughly secured in the path of 
virtue, he relaxed much of his care. But the young man 
formed the acquaintance and society of bad companions, 
by whom he was led astray. He was so far decoyed from 
the way of truth and virtue, that he became a fearful out- 
law and a leader of a band of robbers, exceeding them all 
in deeds of daring and wickedness. After the lapse of 
years, the venerable St. John once more visited the bishop 
to whom he had commended the youth, and made inquiries 
after him. The bishop replied, " He is dead. He is dead 
to God. He has turned out wicked and abandoned, and 
at last a robber." When the Apostle heard this, he tore 
his garment and beat his head in his distress. He then 



What distinguished martyrs suffered? What is said of St. John? 
Where was he banished ? What book did he write there ? What incident 
is told of him ? What became of his young favorite ? What occurred after 
the lapse of years ? What effect had the news on St. John ? 



64 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

hastened to the country where the robber and his band 
were. Without fear he approached the desperate robber. 
But when that abandoned young man saw the venerable 
servant of the Lord approach, he turned to flee. The 
Apostle, however, pursued him with all his strength, un- 
mindful of his great age, and cried after him, saying, 
" Why dost thou fly, my son, from me? Fear not. Thou 
still hast hope of life. I will intercede with Christ for 
thee. Should it be necessary, I will cheerfully suffer death 
for thee, as Christ for us. I will give my life for thiue. 
Stay ! believe Christ hath sent me." When he heard these 
pathetic expressions, he stopped with downcast looks ; then 
threw away his arms, and, trembling, bitterly wept. As 
St. John approached, he attempted to plead for himself. 
The blessed Apostle encouraged him with the hopes of 
pardon, and led him back to the fold of Christ, from whence 
he had strayed. Shortly after this event, the venerable 
Apostle died, at the advanced age of one hundred years. 

What did the young man do when he saw him approaching ? What was 
the result? At what age did the Apostle die ? 



PRINCIPLES OP CHUECH HISTORY. 65 



CHAPTER VIII. 

THE STATE OF THE CHURCH UNDER TRAJAN. IGNATIUS. 

In the progress of our history, we have now arrived at 
the beginning of the second century. We find the Church 
enjoying a season of repose. The storm excited by the 
suspicions of Domitian, had passed away, and a refreshing 
calm succeeded. That supernatural energy which distin- 
guished its history during the ministry of St. Paul, had 
given place to silent, but faithful and successful effort. 
The progress of the Gospel was gratifying. Trajan was at 
this time at the head of the Roman empire, which great 
temporal power exerted a mighty influence either for the 
prosperity or harm of the Church. This prince possessed 
many virtues. He was naturally kind and benevolent, 
and had much tenderness of heart. And yet he stained 
his life by some deeds of bloody violence. These acts of 
cruelty he was influenced to perform through means of the 
false charges and influence of the heathen priests, who im- 
proved every opportunity of persecuting Christians. As 
Trajan was a heathen, he was too ready to believe his 
idolatrous priests, and listen to their evil counsels. In this 
way he was induced to violate those kindly principles of 
humanity which he really possessed. This was especially 
the case near the close of his reign. After he had con- 

What was the state of the Church at the beginning of the second cen- 
tury ? Who was at the head of the Soman empire ? What can you say of 
his character? What induced him to commit deeds of cruelty ? 



66 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

quered many nations, and restored much of the faded 
glory of the empire by a succession of brilliant victories 
over his enemies, he was induced to tarnish his glory by 
shedding the blood of his Christian subjects. He gave the 
credit of his triumphs to the power and favor of his gods. 
He was influenced to grant the request of his wicked ad- 
visers, who persuaded him that it was right to destroy 
Christians, because they despised the gods by whom he had 
won his great victories. Accordingly, he gave permission 
to do the cruel work their hearts so much desired. By 
this bloody license he tarnished those virtues that other- 
wise adorned his character. 

In this persecution we have the record of the death of 
two illustrious martyrs. Simeon, the venerable bishop of 
Jerusalem, and successor of St. James, was crucified, and 
so followed the example of our blessed Saviour, through 
the agonies of a dreadful death. He was over a hundred 
years old when he suffered martyrdom. St. Ignatius, of 
whose writings we have already had occasion to speak, is 
supposed to have been one of those little children whom 
Christ embraced and blessed. He conversed familiarly 
with the Apostles, and during the persecution under Domi- 
tian barely escaped the martyr's death. At the time of 
Trajan's persecution he was bishop of Antioch. He had 
already earnestly wished and prayed that he might, if it were 
God's will, die the death of a martyr. He longed to wear the 
martyr's crown, and the desire of his heart was gratified. 
The Lord honored him with an answer to his prayer. 
When the emperor was on his way to subdue yet other 
enemies, he passed through the city of which St. Ignatius 

What circumstance made him more violent? What effect have these 
bloody deeds on our opinion of him? What illustrious martyr suffered? 
His age ? What can you say of Ignatius ? What had been his wish? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 67 

was bishop. As was customary with the Roman emperors, 
in passing through Antioch, he stopped for a short time. 
During his stay there this sainted hero was brought before 
him by his enemies. Without the least reluctance or hesi- 
tation, the martyr submitted to be brought before the em- 
peror. When asked whether he was a Christian, he frankly 
confessed he was, and boldly and plainly answered the 
other questions put to him by Trajan. He conducted him- 
self in a manner so noble and dauntless, that the emperor 
considered it defiant and proceeded in haste to pronounce 
sentence, saying, " We command that he be carried, bound, 
by soldiers, to the great Rome, there to be thrown to 
the beasts, for the entertainment of the people." When 
this sentence was pronounced, the holy bishop cried out 
with joy, saying ; " I thank thee, O Lord, that thou hast 
vouchsafed to honor me with a perfect love towards Thee ; 
and hast made me to be put into iron bonds with Thy 
Apostle Paul." They proceeded at once to execute the 
sentence, and carried him, bound, to Rome. There, on the 
greatest day of the heathen games — which were then cele- 
brating — in the presence of a vast multitude of people, St. 
Ignatius met his fate with a dauntless spirit. Rejoicing at the 
prospect of his glorious death, and of being so soon relieved 
from the world and conveyed to the presence of his Lord, 
he was thrown to the furious beasts. They tore him in 
pieces and quickly devoured him, leaving nothing but the 
hardest bones. These were gathered up by his brethren 
and carried back to Antioch, and there preserved with 
great veneration. He suffered about the year of our 



What occurred at Antioch? What inquiry was made? What answer 
given? How did he conduct himself? What did Trajan command? What 
was the martyr's expression? How did they put him to death? What 
did his brethren do ? 



68 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

Lord 107. The heroic death of these martyrs had a good 
effect on the mind of Trajan. It made him relent and 
regret the indulgence he had granted the priests. This 
regret was increased by a letter from Pliny, called the 
Younger, telling him of the character of Christians and their 
doctrines. This excellent man was wise, merciful, and 
prudent. He had won the confidence of the emperor, and 
obtained his especial favor. In reward for his virtues, he 
had been appointed governor of Bithynia, an important 
province of the empire in Asia. His observation of the 
Christian character led him to form a favorable opinion of 
them. He informed Trajan that Christians were dutiful 
subjects, who violated no law, neither were guilty of any 
crime ; that they gave Christ divine honors as the Son of 
God ; practised temperance in eating and drinking, and did 
not meddle with any thing that was forbidden by law. He 
also notified him that they were very numerous. The 
result of these influences was most favorable, and induced 
the emperor to put a stop to any further persecution. The 
triumphant death of these martyrs was the chief instru- 
ment of restoring peace to the Church, while it gave a 
most beautiful example to the unbelieving world how to 
suffer for Christ's sake. This is called the third persecution. 
At this period in the Church's history, we find the names 
of the several orders of the ministry permanently fixed. 
As early as the year 107, the grades of office in the Church 
were distinguished by the same names they bear at the 
present time. We have the witness of Ignatius, that when 
his epistles were written they were called by these names, 
and this holy martyr perished in the same year, or very 

When did he suffer ? What effect had the death of these martyrs ? 
What is said of Pliny ? What did he say of Christians ? What effect had 
Pliny's statement ? What is said of the names of the ministry ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHUECH HISTORY. 69 

soon after. St. Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, who escaped 
Trajan's persecution, bears witness to the same fact, in an 
epistle written about the same time. The change which 
took place in the name of the chief officers of the Church, 
is expressly stated by Theodoret, a learned and faithful 
bishop of Syria, in the first part of the fifth century. He 
says the names bishop and presbyter were at first applied 
to the same office, but afterwards the name bishop was con- 
fined to those only who held the office which the Apostles 
once held. The name Apostle was, through respect, left to 
those whom Christ personally commissioned as such, and a 
name which had been employed to distinguish those of an 
inferior order, was then used to supply its place. The 
name bishop was ever afterwards applied alone to that 
order of the ministry which had succeeded the Apostles in 
spiritual dignity and power. 

At this early day the Church had made great progress. 
It had already been established in parts of Germany, Swit- 
zerland, Spain, and Britain, as well as in Africa, and various 
parts of Asia. In every direction it had extended its bor- 
ders and was sustained. This rapid spread of the kingdom 
of our Lord was accomplished through the aid of the Holy 
Ghost, displayed in wonderful gifts and powers, which He 
bestowed upon the heralds of the cross. The multiplication 
of copies of the sacred Scriptures aided mightily in the 
blessed work. There were two great obstacles in the way of 
the Church's prosperity. One consisted in the false charges 
made against Christians by the heathen priests. These 
charges had a powerful influence on the mind of the em- 



What does Theodoret say of the change ? "What name to the place of 
Apostle? In what countries was the Church now established? What 
means accomplished this work ? What obstacles in the way of Church 
progress ? 



70 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

per or and the magistrates. But their falsity was detected and 
exposed. Trajan forbade any man making charges against 
them without signing his own name, as a witness to the 
charges. The worst things had been reported about Chris- 
tians, and had caused them to undergo the greatest suffer- 
ings, while these reports were only gross slanders, put in 
circulation by their enemies through malice. But the able, 
candid, and benignant writings of the fathers were power- 
ful in the defence of the truth, and contributed greatly in 
allaying the prejudice of those in power. The other ob- 
stacle which was then, and always has been, the most effec- 
tual weapon used by the great adversary to hinder the 
progress and mar the glory of the Church, was heresy, 
with its necessary consequent division. The sect of Juda- 
izers had appeared at a very critical time. It was the first 
formidable evil with which the infant Church had to con- 
tend. But as it was the first to arise it was the first to 
decay. But its associate sect, the Gnostic, as it was later 
in birth, so it endured after the Judaizers had passed 
away. In the reign of Adrian, the successor of Trajan, it 
arrived to formidable proportions. The wisest men among 
the heathen had gained a great reputation for profound 
learning and wisdom, and it was an object of strong worldly 
ambition to win their fame. This sinful motive had found 
a fruitful soil in the minds of many in the Church. There 
were those who desired to win the vain glory of the world 
which these philosophers received. Influenced by this am- 
bition, they attempted to obscure, with principles of heathen 
wisdom, the simple and lucid doctrines of the Christian 



What did Trajan forbid ? What kind of reports were circulated about 
Christians ? What other great obstacle to Church prosperity is mentioned ? 
What is said of the sect of Judaizers? What of the Gnostics ? When 
did it reach great power ? What vain ambition influenced them ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 71 

faith. They called themselves Gnostics because they pro- 
fessed to be able to restore a knowledge of the true God, 
which, they said, had been lost to the world. The principles 
of their belief we have already briefly considered ; it may 
be proper, at this stage in their history, to add : — They be- 
lieved our souls were confined to our bodies by some wicked 
power, contrary to the will of God ; that Christ came to 
the world to rescue them from their prison ; that the world 
was created by one or two evil or imperfect beings, and 
not by God, as we are taught in the book of Genesis. 
They despised and rejected the Old Testament, and to show 
their contempt for it, they praised the serpent, the author 
of sin, for beguiling our first parents. They denied the 
resurrection of the body. They introduced the discussion 
of the important question whether Christians ought to 
make use of the peculiar manner of conveying ideas, and 
the mode of conducting an argument, adopted and prac- 
tised by the learned heathen. This proved a perplexing 
question, and much bitterness was shown in discussing it. 
But finally it was agreed by the great majority that they 
might lawfully make use of these means in defending the 
Church against its enemies, and to increase its power and 
influence. Many of those who took sides in this contro- 
versy were doubtless actuated by the purest motives. They 
were seeking to promote the glory of God through the 
prosperity of the Church. Those of them who had drank 
from the fountain of human philosophy, were persuaded 
they had derived from that source a powerful instrument 
in the defence and propagation of Christianity. They were 



Why called Gnostics ? What additional errors are mentioned ? How 
did they treat the Old Testament ? What perplexing question did they 
introduce ? 



72 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

unwilling that the heathen should have the credit of being 
the only philosophers ; that they should taunt them with 
the charge that their faith was opposed to philosophy and 
learning. They desired that, at least, the chiefs in the 
Christian army, the bishops and heads of the principal 
schools, should understand the use of these effective weapons, 
and be able to use them successfully against the enemies of 
the faith. Those who were opposed to this opinion, were 
apprehensive that the introduction of philosophy, as a 
study, into Christian schools, and the methods of argu- 
ment used by the heathen sages and orators, would be de- 
structive to the simplicity which adorns the Gospel, and rob 
the Church of that humility and piety w T hich should adorn 
the lives of its members. They doubtless appealed to the 
example of the unlearned Apostles, and the success that 
attended their labors, in support of their position. At so 
early a period do we behold the beginnings of that conflict 
between faith and reason, religion and philosophy, piety 
and genius, which has disturbed the Christian world ever 
since. The Gnostics were divided into numerous sects, and 
the variety of their doctrines and opinions was as great as 
the number of their sects. The full record of these sects, 
and a complete statement of their various opinions, would 
require a volume of respectable size, while much of its 
contents would be too gross for perusal. 



What decision was made upon the use of human learning ? What is 
said of the honesty of those who discussed the question ? What was the 
wish of some? What objections were offered to the introduction of phi- 
losophy ? Of what conflict was this the beginning ? Were the Gnostics 
united ? What is said of their number and doctrines ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 73 



CHAPTER IX. 

ADRIAN. — EEVOLT OF THE JEWS. — SUCCESSION OF BISHOPS. 
— HERESY. 

Already the Church had become a great power. It 
was represented in nearly all parts of the empire, and im- 
pressed the minds of reflecting heathen with the fact that 
it was no ordinary superstition. If it had been, they could 
have borne it. But there was a mystery in its progress 
which excited their alarm. They saw nothing attracting 
in its system. It had met with violent opposition from the 
popular religions of the world from its birth. It had passed 
through the furnace of affliction heated by three bitter 
persecutions. Its progress was made against political pow- 
er, the popular will, the whole religious sense of the world ; 
and that too, without any remarkable display of genius, 
talent, or influence on the part of its members. "And 
yet," says Tertullian, " men cry out that the State is beset, 
that the Christians are in the fields, in their forts, in their 
islands. They mourn, as for a loss, that every sex, age, con- 
dition, and now even every rank, is going over to this sect." 

Upon the death of Trajan, in the year of our Lord 117, 
Adrian became emperor. He was less mild in disposition 
than his predecessor. Yet he was not a cruel or wicked 



What is said of the power of the Church? How did its mysterious prog- 
ress affect the heathen ? What obstacle did it surmount ? What is the 
testimony of Tertullian ? Who succeeded Trajan? When? 

4 



74 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

prince. He possessed a philosophic mind, and eminent 
talents and virtues. The period embracing his own reign, 
and that of his two immediate successors, is deemed the 
happiest in the history of the empire. In general, he ruled 
with justice and equity. But no sooner had he succeeded 
to power, than the heathen priests took occasion to violate 
the law of protection granted to Christians by Trajan. 
They began their work of death at the time of the public 
games. When great numbers of people were assembled, 
and excited by these amusements, the priests took occa- 
sion to inflame the minds of the crowd against Christians. 
As soon as their passions were by this means set on fire, 
they fell upon their innocent victims, and slaughtered mul- 
titudes without mercy. This sudden and violent persecu- 
tion caused great commotion, and gave the body of the 
faithful cause to apprehend that one of the most fierce and 
fiery trials was now besetting them. This reckless destruc- 
tion of human life, merely to gratify the jealousy and hatred 
of the priests and people, called forth an earnest and feel- 
ing address from Serenus, proconsul of Asia. He remon- 
strated against granting permission to the lawless multi- 
tude to practise such cruelty upon persons who had been 
proved guilty of no crime. This address, together with 
powerful and convincing apologies, written by two learned 
Christians, Quadratus and Aristides, had a happy effect. 
The emperor was induced by this means to renew the law 
of Trajan, which put a stop to the persecution. Thus were 
the enemies of the Church foiled in their wicked designs. 
This is called the fourth persecution. 



"What was his character ? What of his reign ? How did he rule ? What 
did the priests do? When did they begin to persecute? What conse- 
quences followed? Who was Serenus? What did he do? What two 
Christian writers are named ? W 7 hat effect had their writings ? 



PEIKCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 75 

Christians themselves, however, were not entirely blame- 
less in the midst of these calamities. There were fanatics, 
who, by their rashness and imprudence, inflamed the pas- 
sions of their enemies. They showed an inconsiderate zeal 
in their desire to become martyrs. So great a multitude 
of them flocked to the tribunal of Arius Antoninus, during 
this persecution, desirous of becoming martyrs, that he 
was forced to drive them away, with an expression of con- 
tempt. " If life is so great a burden to you," said he, 
" you can find plenty of ropes with which to hang your- 
selves." 

But the Jews had not yet stained their hands for the 
last time in the blood of Christians. Since the time they 
were so severely punished at the destruction of Jerusalem, 
they had remained comparatively quiet from molestiug the 
followers of Christ. Dispersed and humbled by that awful 
calamity, they appeared to endure their punishment with- 
out making any further effort to restore themselves to their 
lost inheritance. But still, wherever they went, they were 
looking for their promised Messiah ; they were waiting for 
the advent of another than Christ, who was indeed their 
Messiah, and whom they had rejected and crucified. They 
confidently believed their Messiah would yet come and 
relieve them of their toils and anxiety, and, gathering 
them together at Jerusalem, would once more restore to 
them all the power and glory they had possessed in their 
most prosperous days. Living in this state of expectation, 
and earnest longing, they were ready to receive the first 
indications of their Messiah's approach. This placed them 



"What indiscretion on the part of Christians 1 What expression did Arius 
Antoninus make ? How had the Jews conducted since their dispersion ? 
What was still their hope ? For whom were they looking ? What did they 
expect yet to enjoy ? > 



76 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

in a position to be easily imposed upon, a base deceiver, 
availing himself of their anxious state, plunged them into 
the greatest misfortunes. 

The name of this deceiver was Barcochebas. He pro- 
fessed to be the true Messiah, and promised the Jews 
that he would deliver them from the power of their 
enemies, and advance them to the possession of all the 
greatness and glory they were expecting. He drew his 
sword, and called upon all the Jews to rally to his 
standard, and hurl off the yoke which their oppres- 
sors had put upon them. His pretensions were believed 
by many of this wretched people, and great numbers 
flocked around him, and rose in rebellion against the 
Roman Government. Their presumptuous leader next 
called upon all Christians to join him, declaring that Christ 
Jesus was a deceiver ; and because they would not regard 
his pretensions, he used his brief authority in cruelly per- 
secuting all the followers of Christ he could reach. But 
his pretensions were quickly exposed, and he was punished 
in an exemplary manner. The army of Adrian met him 
at the head of his Jewish faction, defeated him, cut his 
army to pieces with a horrible slaughter, in which a vast 
number perished, and he among the rest. This terrible 
blow brought them so low that they never afterwards had 
sufficient power to persecute. To blot out all hope from 
their minds, and preserve the empire from being molested 
by them any more, Adrian built a new city on the ruins 
of Jerusalem, and called it JElia. This new city no Jew 
was allowed to approach. 



Who imposed upon them ? What did he promise them ? What did he 
do ? Was he believed ? What did he require of Christians ? How did he 
treat them ? What was the result when met by Adrian and his army ? 
What did Adrian then do ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 77 

Up to this period, the see of Jerusalem had been filled 
by bishops of Hebrew stock. A rapid succession of fif- 
teen had filled the episcopal chair when Jerusalem ceased 
to exist, and a new city occupied its site. As no Jew was 
permitted to approach it, the Church was composed of 
Gentile Christians, and Marcus became the first bishop of 
JElia. The succession in the see of Rome and Alexan- 
dria was not so rapid. Evaristus succeeded Clement, and 
was followed by Alexander, who died in the third year 
of the reign of Adrian. Sixtus I. succeeded him, and 
was the sixth in the order of succession. Primus, the 
fourth bishop of Alexandria, died about the same time, 
and was succeeded by Justus. He was consecrated" about 

A. D. 130. 

The bishops were on a perfect equality in spiritual dig- 
nity and power, and were entirely independent of each 
other in the exercise of that power. They governed their 
respective sees or dioceses without the necessity of going 
beyond their bounds for instruction. They assembled their 
clergy from time to time, to deliberate upon the best 
means of promoting the welfare of the Church. They 
assigned to them their respective fields of labor, and 
ordained such as within their jurisdiction received holy 
orders. The bishop was elected to his office generally by 
the united consent and choice of both clergy and laity, 
and in some instances by the clergy alone. After his elec- 
tion, if the choice was approved, he was consecrated by 
bishops. 



"What name did he give to the new city ? What is said of the bishops 
of Jerusalem ? Who was the first bishop of Mlia ? What of the bishops 
of Rome ? What of the bishops of Alexandria ? . What is said of the 
authority of bishops ? By whom were they elected ? By whom con- 
secrated? 



78 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

Every age has been prolific of heresy. In primitive 
ages of the Church's history, we scarcely find the term of 
any emperor's reign expiring, without at least one new 
sect appearing on the stage. The reign of Adrian did not 
close until another heresy made its appearance. His 
severity towards the rebellious Jews who had risen under 
the impostor Barcochebas, in the destruction of so great 
a multitude of them, in the complete devastation of Jeru- 
salem, and in the rigid laws against the survivors, induced 
Christians in Palestine to depart as far as possible from 
Jewish practices, and to give the least possible favor to the 
Jewish ritual. By pursuing this course, they gave great 
ofiTence to many Jewish Christians, who cherished the high- 
est veneration for Moses and the Levitical law. The result 
was, a number of Jewish Christians abandoned the Church, 
and formed a society by themselves. They began at Para?, 
in Palestine, and practised all the rites and ceremonies of 
the law, and performed them with the customary pomp of 
the Jewish Church. They esteemed Moses equal with 
Christ in birth, as a lawgiver, and as a prophet of God. 
All the books of the New Testament which, in their 
opinion, relieved Christians from the necessity of observing 
the rites and ceremonies of the Jewish Church, they 
esteemed lightly. In consequence of their opinions, " they 
have received the name of Ebionites? says Eusebius. 
" For it is thus the Hebrews call a poor man." 

But the Master-Builder had prepared for his Church a 
defence against every trial. There was a rule of faith 



What is said of heresy in the early Church ? What influence had 
Adrian's conduct on Christians ? How did the conduct of Christians in 
Palestine affect the Jewish Christians? What did many do? Who were 
Ebionites ? What their errors ? What provision had the Head of tho 
Church made ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHUKCH HISTORY. 79 

simple, essential, and sufficient ; a uniform discipline and 
communion everywhere ; and a body of inspired writings 
adapted to every want of human life, which have within 
them the witness of their divine origin, and that defy imi- 
tation. The Captain of our salvation, foreseeing and anti- 
cipating every phase of error, even to the latest ages, made 
his Church impregnable at every point. Its enemies, in 
their attacks upon it, in every age and every form, have 
been invariably foiled, and their blows have recoiled upon 
themselves. 

How defended His Church ? What of its enemies ? 



80 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 



CHAPTER X. 

CELSUS. — SURPLICES. — WORSHIP TOWARDS THE EAST. — JUS- 
TINE. — ANTONINUS PIUS. 

The power of Christianity was now felt in high places, 
and began to awaken sympathy and favor in the minds of 
the rulers in the land. The champions of heathenism be- 
came aware that it was making progress in spite of their 
cruel exertions to extinguish it. They found it necessary 
to use other weapons besides wild beasts, fire, and sword, if 
they were to destroy Christianity. They thought it worth 
their while to employ their pens in the work, and to these 
they resorted most vigorously. But in the use of this 
weapon, they dealt with their usual unfairness and wicked- 
ness. The first writer of note that assailed the Church 
was Celsus. His work was published in the reign of Adrian. 
He was a heathen philosopher, and most bitterly opposed 
to Christianity. As he resolved to strike a blow, such as 
would cause its complete overthrow, a plan was devised 
which he thought would be successful, and the best for the 
purpose. At this time there was a Christian secret society, 
supposed to have been founded by St. Clement, bishop of 
Rome. In this society were celebrated what were called 
the "Christian mysteries." Celsus believed if he could 



What can you say of the progress of Christianity ? What did the 
heathen do ? Who was Celsus ? When did he write ? What was his 
intention? What was his plan ? What society is mentioned? By whom 
founded ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 81 

gain admission to this society, and witness all the " myste- 
ries " practised there, it would enable him to assail Chris- 
tianity to a much better advantage. He accordingly pro- 
fessed to be converted to the Christian faith, desired admis- 
sion to this society, and was admitted. But he soon gave 
just cause for suspicion that he was not sincere, and the 
members of the order refused to promote him to all the 
mysteries. This greatly incensed him, and without fur- 
ther delay he began his work. He wrote against the 
Church with the utmost bitterness, regardless both of 
honor and truth. All his powers of learning and elo- 
quence, and all the arts of logic he possessed, were exerted 
by him in his great design to make Christianity appear 
ridiculous and contemptible. He endeavored to prove 
that Christians were dangerous to the welfare of any coun- 
try. Nor did he hesitate to use the grossest falsehoods in 
order to render their character and practices odious in the 
eyes of the world. He stated falsely the doctrines and 
teachings of the sacred Scriptures. He even assailed the 
spotless character of our divine Redeemer, and declared 
that Christianity was a system of religion which tended 
to pervert and corrupt the human race. But his giant 
effort had no more effect upon the Church, than the ocean 
wave that spends its fury upon the rock-bound shore, which 
recoils and flows back again into the deep. The wicked 
attempt recoiled upon the name and character of its author, 
and served to render him odious through all subsequent 
ages. 

The custom of the Jewish priesthood, of wearing white 



What was the object? What hypocrisy did he practise? Was it dis- 
covered ? What then did he do ? What did he endeavor to prove ? To 
what means did he resort ? What is said of his assault on Christ ? What 
effect had his work ? 

4* 



82 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

garments while performing the duties of their office, was 
followed by the clergy of the Church. This was done, not 
from a desire to imitate the Jews, but from a sense of pro- 
priety. They thought the minister, while officiating, should 
be distinguished from the people by some appropriate dress. 
This opinion, which seems so natural, was placed beyond 
any doubt, in their minds, by the express command of God, 
requiring them to be worn by the priests who ministered 
before him. They could conceive of nothing more appro- 
priate of which to make these garments, than pure white, 
for it was the emblem of purity, approved of heaven. In 
the book of the Revelation they read that " the seven 
angels came out of the temple, having the seven last 
plagues, clothed in pure and ichite li?ien." Of the Church 
they read, that " to her was given that she should be 
arrayed in fine linen, clean and white, for the fine linen is 
the righteousness of saints." And so — " The armies 
which were in heaven, followed him upon white horses, 
clothed in fine linen, white and clean." 

It was the practice of Christians at this early day, to 
worship towards the east. This practice prevailed among 
eastern nations before the advent of Christ. They sup- 
posed God had fixed his throne in that part of the heavens 
where the sun rose, and every day sent up that luminary 
above the earth to give light to its inhabitants. They had 
then no correct knowledge of the motions of the heavenly 
bodies, nor did they know that the earth was round, and 
performed diurnal revolutions. Hence they were led to 
worship towards the east, since they believed that God 



What Jewish custom was adopted by the clergy of the Church ? Why 
was this adopted 'i Why made of white linen ? What Scripture authority 
sustains this custom ? What is said of the practice of worshipping towards 
the east? For what reason ? Where did they think God dwelt ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHUEGH HISTORY. 83 

dwelt there, and of his great goodness sent the sun 
every day to bless mankind with its light. As the na- 
tions who had adopted this practice became converts to 
Christianity, they continued to worship towards the east, 
which, at least, was harmless in practice and reverential in 
manner. 

Miracles and supernatural powers still continued in the 
Church, though they had greatly diminished, as they were 
less and less needed. They began to be withdrawn as the 
Church grew in the number of its members and in influence. 
The Lord dealt with His Church as the parent deals with 
his child. He leads him by the hand and sustains him, 
when he begins to walk, lest he fall, and become discour- 
aged. But he gradually withdraws his sustaining hand as 
the strength of his child increases, until he finally permits 
him to walk alone. Christianity had now become so re- 
spectable a power, that good reasoning, though it came 
from Christians, often reached the minds and hearts of 
those in authority. This disposition to hear what Chris- 
tians could say in their own defence, was greatly encouraged 
by the conversion of learned heathen to the faith of Christ. 
Of these learned converts, the one who was most celebrated 
at this time was Justin, called the martyr, from the man- 
ner of his death. He had been a heathen philosopher, 
and had studied the principles of the different sects of phi- 
losophers, in quest of truth. But after all his searching 
and labors, he found nothing to satisfy the earnest longing 
of his soul. He found no clear and satisfactory account of 
the perfection of God, nor could he learn what would be 



What still continued in the Church? How did God deal "with His 
children? What is said of the decrease of miraculous powers? What of 
the power of the Church ? What added greatly to the popularity of Chris- 
tianity? Give an account of Justin. What course did he pursue? 



84: PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

the state of the undying sj^irit when it left the body. 
Having searched in vain through all his heathen schools of 
learning, for a clear and satisfactory answer to these im- 
portant inquiries, he turned his attention to Christianity. 
In this part of his search he was aided by a learned, pru- 
dent, and devout Christian. After a thorough examination 
of the sacred Scriptures, and the doctrines and institutions 
of the Church, he there found the object of his pursuit. 
All the longings of his soul were fully satisfied, and he 
embraced Christianity with a hearty good-will. Soon after 
this happy event, he showed his sincerity in the course he 
pursued, and the thorough knowledge he possessed of the 
true faith, by writing an Apology for his Christian brethren, 
addressed to the emperor, Antoninus Pius. This monarch 
succeeded Adrian in a. d. 138. He found the empire in a 
state of peace and great prosperity. Being averse to war, 
and the circumstances of the empire permitting him to 
indulge his love of peace, the affairs of the State flowed 
on in the same current of prosperity in which he found it, 
to the end of his reign, a term of twenty-three years. 
His love of wisdom, and the large amount he possessed of 
it, procured for him the admiration of all his subjects, and 
heathen tribes resorted to him to settle their differences. 
He had not long been in power, however, before his virtues 
were put in requisition to protect his Christian subjects. 
Their enemies had found a way to avoid the law of Adrian, 
which he had made for their protection. Under that law, 
no Christian could be prosecuted except for crime. But 



Who aided him ? Did Christianity meet his desires ? How did he show 
his sincerity ? To whom did he address his Apology ? What is said of 
Antoninus Pius ? What was the state of the empire ? How long did he 
reign ? Were Christians persecuted ? How did the heathen manage to 
persecute ? 






PRINCIPLES OF CHUECH HISTORY. 85 

now their faith was charged upon them as a crime. In 
this way they succeeded in afflicting Christians for a time. 
But the magistrates declared that such a charge was con- 
trary to the spirit of the law. They would not admit that 
the act of holding the Christian faith was a crime. Being 
defeated at this point of attack, they devised another way 
to gratify their malice. They charged Christians with the 
practice of gross impiety, and with being Atheists. These 
were crimes which the State punished with death, and by 
falsely charging them upon Christians, they succeeded in 
destroying a number of them. This inhuman conduct 
called forth an able Apology from Justin, the martyr, in 
defence of the faith and practice of Christians. It had a 
happy effect upon those in power, and was followed by 
gratifying results. The emperor, to whom the Apology 
was addressed, then required the law of Adrian to be 
strictly enforced, as well in its spirit as in the letter. This 
put a stop to their work of death for a time. But it was 
of short duration ; for soon after the reign of peace to the 
Church began, several earthquakes occurring in Asia, the 
superstitious multitude became alarmed at these fearful 
convulsions of the earth, and believed them to be evidence 
of the wrath of the gods. The anger of the gods was 
attributed to the indulgence granted to Christians. Influ- 
enced by this delusion, and impelled by hatred, their tor- 
rent of mingled fury and terror burst fearfully upon the 
faithful. But it was of short duration. As soon as the 
generous and kind-hearted emperor heard of these pro- 
ceedings, he commanded that persecution should cease ; 



"What crime did they charge on them ? How was this crime regarded ? 
What did Justin do? What effect had it on the emperor? What gave 
them the next pretext to persecute ? How did the emperor proceed ? Did 
he arrest the persecutors ? 



86 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

and that Christians might, in the future, be spared from 
these outrages, he ordered that every man who should 
afterwards accuse Christians, without being able to prove 
them guilty of crime, should be put to death. This severe 
law made informers extremely cautious how they accused 
Christians. This vigorous royal protection gave the able 
defenders of the Church, of whom there was a goodly 
number, a fair opportunity to spread the light of Revela- 
tion, and, by their writings, to contend successfully against 
Jews, heathen, and heretics. 

How did the defenders of the Church improve the opportunity ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 87 



CHAPTER XI. 

METROPOLITAN. COUNCILS. — MARCION. EASTER. — MARCUS 

ANTONIUS, ETC. 

About the middle of this century, the several sees and 
dioceses in a province began to unite in one large and har- 
monious union, as an ecclesiastical body. This was done 
for the purpose of deliberating upon the best means of 
promoting the general welfare of the Church in their prov- 
inces and dioceses. This practice began in Greece, and 
from there spread abroad, until at last it was adopted by 
the whole Church. These assemblies were generally held 
in the metropolis or chief town of the province. Through 
respect to the bishop of the city where they met, he was 
chosen to preside during their deliberations. Hence arose 
the title Metropolitan, applied to the bishop of the chief 
city. The name given to this assembly by the Greeks was 
Synod, by the Romans, Council. 

About this time Marcion, a celebrated heretic, propa- 
gated his errors. He was the son of the bishop of Pontus, 
in Asia. Filled with a vain ambition, he went to Rome, 
and there sought to gain an office of distinction. But 
being defeated in his plans, his disappointment aroused in 
his heart such bitter and resentful feelings, that he sacri- 



When did provincial councils begin? "Where did the practice com- 
mence ? What gave rise to the name Metropolitan ? What name was 
given to this council by the Greeks ? Who was Marcion ? 



88 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

ficed his union with the Church. He became the bold 
propagator of many gross errors. He taught that there 
were two inferior deities, the one perfectly good, the other 
perfectly evil. Between these two, there is yet another, 
partaking of both of their natures, and so having both 
good and evil principles. This evil deity has the power 
given him to bestow rewards and inflict punishments. By 
him, this our inferior world was created. He is perpetu- 
ally at war with the perfectly evil deity ; yet they both 
aspire, with a wicked ambition, to gain possession of the 
throne of the Almighty, and labor to bring all mankind 
under their control. He professed to believe that God, the 
Supreme, sent Christ to put an end to these conflicts, and 
to relieve the souls unjustly oppressed by their power. He 
also affirmed that this celestial messenger was empowered 
to subdue and destroy the authority of these two deities, 
and lead back the souls to God which they had led astray. 
Knowing this to be the mission of Christ, they joined in 
an effort to destroy him, and assailed him with the utmost 
fury, but without success. For, as he taught, Christ hav- 
ing only the shadow of a body, and not a real one, they 
could do him no harm, nor inflict upon him any sorrow. 
These, and other gross and fanciful errors, he published, 
mingling with the mass of folly a sufficient amount of 
Christianity to bring reproach upon the faith, and much 
harm to the Church. He labored to spread abroad these 
errors with untiring zeal, and succeeded in persuading a 
great number to embrace them. In such an evil work did 
the degenerate son of the bishop of Pontus enlist his 



"What were his errors ? How many inferior deities had he ? "What was 
their character? In what did they join? How did Christ escape their 
malice ? What effect had his heresy on Christianity ? "What is said of 
his zeal ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHEECH HISTORY. 89 

superior talents. But the might of truth was soon brought 
to bear upon his baseless fabric, and quickly demolished it. 
Justin Martyr wrote a work against his errors, and tri- 
umphantly exposed them. 

Many of the trials of the Church, though their cause 
seemed small, yet they became great and serious. It has 
been one of the greatest sources of evil to the Church, 
that small differences of practice or opinion in its different 
branches, which were not essential, have been alloived to 
give rise to bitter controversy, jealousy, hatred, and an 
interruption of brotherly regard. Such was the case at the 
time of which we now write. The most important part of 
the Church was distinguished, by a natural division, into 
what was called the eastern and western Churches. The 
eastern Churches were those of Asia ; the western, those 
of Europe. Between these important divisions occasion- 
ally arose points of difference in opinion or practice, that 
were not essential. Yet they sometimes resulted in serious 
difficulties. One of these trials seriously perplexed the 
Church during the reign of Antoninus Pius. It occurred 
in consequence of the difference in the time at which the 
festival of Easter was observed. The eastern Churches 
celebrated the passion of Christ on the fourteenth day of 
the first Jewish month, which answers to our March. It 
took place at the same time the Jews celebrated their 
Passover. Three days after, they celebrated Easter. The 
western Churches observed the fast of our Saviour's 'pas- 
sion on the night before the resurrection. Both east and 
west referred to what they considered good authority to 



Who exposed his errors ? With -what success ? What has caused the 
Church much trouble ? What natural division existed in the Church ? 
Which were eastern Churches '? Which western ? What difference existed 
about the observance of Easter ? 



90 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

sustain their practice. This difference gave rise to a bitter 
and prolonged controversy, followed by unfortunate results. 
In order to settle these differences, and heal the wound 
which they had occasioned, the venerable St. Polycarp, 
bishop of Smyrna, went to Rome and conferred with Ani- 
cetus, its bishop. But he failed in accomplishing the object 
of his mission, and was under the painful necessity of see- 
ing this cause of difference still remain a subject of bitter 
strife, to agitate the Church and give occasion for the 
reproach of the heathen. 

Antoninus Pius was succeeded by Marcus Aurelius Anto- 
nius, in a. d. 161. This new emperor was a heathen philos- 
opher, and celebrated for his learning and brilliant qualities. 
He was a great friend of learning, and encouraged it in 
every way by his example. On account of these noble 
principles and virtues, he has been highly praised, and his 
name honored as one of the most glorious that adorn the 
pages of profane history. But he was too much under the 
influence of his brother philosophers, many of whom were 
the most unreasonable and bitter enemies of Christianity. 
By their false charges, they influenced him to perform acts 
which tarnish his fame and overshadow his glory. Yet he 
did not annul the laws which were passed by his prede- 
cessors in defence of Christians. And for a time after his 
accession, the Church enjoyed the happy peace which the 
amicable and worthy Antoninus Pius had secured for it, and 
left,' at his death, in its possession. It was several years 
after he became emperor, that Marcus Antonius gave his 
permission that Christians should be persecuted, and thus 



"What did St. Polycarp do ? What success attended his efibrt ? Who 
succeeded Antoninus Pius ? What was his character? By "whom was he 
influenced ? How was he induced to tarnish his fame ? Did he permit 
the heathen to persecute immediately? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHUECH HISTORY. 91 

stained his name with the blood of the innocent. It is the 
more surprising that so wise and virtuous a prince should 
have allowed himself to be deceived by the slanderous 
charges of the haters of Christians, since they were among 
the most faithful of his subjects, and cheerfully did him 
good service. They composed part of his army, and helped 
him fight his battles and conquer his enemies. On one oc- 
casion, it is said, they preserved his army from total ruin, 
by securing divine assistance in a wonderful manner. It 
happened while he was engaged in war with some barba- 
rous tribes that inhabited portions of the countries now 
called Austria and Hungary. His army was in a desert 
place, completely surrounded by the enemy. Entirely des- 
titute of water, they had nearly perished of thirst. Their 
enemies were extremely cruel, and were exulting in the 
triumph which they now believed to be secure. They were 
eager for the slaughter of their fainting victims. To the 
Roman army there appeared no possibility of escape. 
They were in this alarming condition, drawn up in battle 
array, when a legion of Christian soldiers, called the Melitine, 
all together bowed upon their knees in sight of the enemy 
and the Romans, and called upon God for deliverance, 
through Jesus Christ, the Intercessor. No sooner had 
they prayed, than a copious shower of rain fell upon the 
army, abundant to satisfy their thirst. . The shower was 
attended with continued and most vivid flashes of light- 
ning, while thunderbolts, in terrific peals, darted from the 
clouds, in rapid succession, upon the enemy, destroying 
many of them. This wonderful and unexpected deliver- 
ance, and the dreadful scene attending it, carried terror 

What is a just cause of surprise ? In what way did Christians serve 
him 1 Give an account how they preserved his army. The miracle that 
destroyed and terrified the enemy. 



92 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

and dismay among the barbarians, and saved the army 
from destruction. This event was considered by the Chris- 
tians as a miraculous deliverance, sent in answer to their 
prayers. 

It was in the early part of this emperor's reign that a 
few bold and zealous champions of the cross set out from 
Asia to establish the Church in portions of Europe now 
called France and Switzerland, where the Gospel had not 
yet been preached. The chiefs of this noble band were 
Pothinus and Irenseus. They labored with great success, 
and established the Church in the cities of Lyons and 
Vienne. Pothinus became the first bishop of these cities. 
The spirit of St. Paul continued to breathe through the 
Church, and many of the clergy were ready and willing to 
follow his exanrple, though they were confident that bonds, 
imprisonments, and perhaps a cruel death, awaited them. 
They cheerfully obeyed the command of Christ, " Go ye 
into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature, 
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, 
and of the Holy Ghost." 

Baptism was administered twice a year, on Easter and 
on Whitsunday. The bishop performed the office of bap- 
tizing, or appointed one of his presbyters to do it for him. 
But before receiving this sacrament, adults were carefully 
prepared for it by thorough instruction. When the time 
drew nigh that they were to be received into the Church, 
they gave themselves to fasting, to prayer, and to other 
pious exercises, in order that their hearts and minds might 



Where did missionaries preach the Gospel? When? Who were the 
chiefs of these missionaries ? What success attended their labors ? What 
is said of Pothinus ? What is said of the missionary spirit of the Church ? 
What of baptism? By whom administered? What preparation was 
required of adults ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHUECH HISTOEY. 93 

be in a proper frame to receive the great blessing which 
this holy sacrament would be the instrument of conferring 
upon them. God-parents stood for them, whose duty it 
was, in a particular manner, to aid in guiding and strength- 
ening them, that they might the more successfully and 
surely run the Christian race. When they stood before 
the font, they repeated the Creed, and confessed and 
renounced their sins, and were then baptized in the name 
of the blessed Trinity. After baptism, they were signed 
with the sign of the cross, and were then confirmed by 
the bishopr They were now deemed prepared to partake 
of the Holy Communion, and were at once admitted to that 
precious sacrament. The Lord's Supper was chiefly ad- 
ministered on Sundays, and every communicant jmrtook of 
the consecrated bread and wine. The wine was first min- 
gled with water, and the bread broken in pieces. A por- 
tion of the elements was reserved, and taken to the sick 
and absent members, as a witness of brotherly love. The 
whole Church believed and taught that it was necessary 
for every person to partake of this sacrament, otherwise 
he could not be saved. But no criminal was allowed to 
receive it, unless upon good evidence of sincere repentance. 
The manner of expelling ungodly members from the 
Church was at first simple. But after a time it was 
attended with much more ceremony, and in a much more 
imposing manner. This change was doubtless designed to 
make the act appear more solemn, and to impress upon the 
minds of all, both within and without the Church, the 



Who stood for them ? What was the duty of god-parents ? What was 
done at the font? To what privilege were they then entitled? When 
was the Lord's Supper administered? What was done with the wine? 
with the bread ? What was done with a portion of the elements ? Was it 
deemed necessary to salvation ? What of expulsiun ? 



94 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

awful nature of that state to which the excommunicated 
person was reduced. It was also intended to keep hypo- 
crites and vile persons from entering the Church, while it 
made those within the fold conduct themselves in such a 
manner as not to bring reproach upon it. 

About this time, a very injurious way of interpreting the 
sacred Scriptures was adopted by many teachers. They 
gave a double meaning to them ; the one was plain and 
simple, the other was hidden and mysterious. Those who 
adopted this mode of expounding God's word, taught 
that the Scriptures gave much more liberty to ordinary 
Christians than to those who aspired to the highest attain- 
ments in sanctity. They encouraged the one class to indulge 
in the pleasures of life, while they influenced the other to 
wear, at all times, a grave and melancholy aj^pearance, to 
undergo severe mortification of body, to seclude them- 
selves from society, to frequent solitary places and lonely 
caverns. This class were called Ascetics, because of their 
enduring such voluntary hardships for their spiritual wel- 
fare. This gloomy race of lazy fanatics made their first ap- 
pearance in Egypt, a country which has always produced 
more of this class of men than any other. Here melan- 
choly sects appeared and brooded long before the advent 
of Christ ; and from thence their practice spread abroad 
like a wild contagion, till at length it prevailed, to a greater 
or less extent, in all parts of the Christian world. 

What was the object of this discipline? "What kind of interpretation 
was now given by certain teachers of the Scriptures ? What was their 
peculiar doctrine? Who were Ascetics? Where did they first appear ? 
What is said of their increase ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 95 



CHAPTER XII 



The Church had now enjoyed, for a season, a good 
degree of quiet, and had prospered gloriously under the 
reign of peace. But its fiery trials were only suspended 
for a short time, to burst forth with renewed fury at the 
first opportunity. The heathen philosophers had great 
influence with the emperor ; for he was himself one of 
their number, and being a great admirer and patron of 
learning, he encouraged them in every way. The influ- 
ence which these circumstances enabled them to exert over 
him, they now used to accomplish a most wicked and 
malicious purpose. They took occasion to represent Chris- 
tians to him in the most odious light; and, by means of 
many grossly false statements, they excited his mind 
against them. He was too willing to believe all they said 
about the revolting practices and horrid crimes which 
Christians were charged with. He that had, in other 
matters, shown himself possessed of so great wisdom and 
so many virtues, in this instance was so imprudent as to 
countenance the greatest injustice and cruelty, without 
stopping to inquire into the truth of th6 charges. He was 

unwilling to believe that his brother philosophers were 

, 

What is said of the state of the Church ? Who was the emperor at this 
time? Who had great influence over him? Why? How did they use 
their influence ? What was the result ? 



96 PRINCIPLES OF CHUECH HISTORY. 

guilty of slander and falsehood. Thus he suffered himself 
to be deceived, and, under the influence of the deception, 
he passed several edicts against Christians, his most inno- 
cent and faithful subjects. As the storm of persecution 
began to fall, and was gathering darker around the 
Church, the leaders in the Christian army were not idle. 
They did not fold their hands together and sit down, over- 
come by fear and alarm ; but they arose like the brave 
and sturdy sailor, who beholds in the distance the wild 
tempest hovering over the sea, and sweeping onward to 
overwhelm him with the fury of the waves. They pre- 
pared to face the storm, and, if necessary, to bravely 
perish in the defence of the truth. Many and triumphant 
Apologies were written in defence of the faith and practice 
of Christians. Among these, the second one from Justin 
Martyr appeared, addressed to the emperor. It was dis- 
tinguished by all those marks of great and accomplished 
ability which he possessed. Yet none of these efforts 
influenced the emperor. The persecution went on with 
great fury. The faithful in Christ suffered the most bar- 
barous cruelty. They were tormented with every conceiv- 
able variety of torture. Among the martyrs who perished 
in this bitter persecution were several men distinguished 
for their learning and piety, and their venerable age. Jus- 
tin, two years after his second Apology, was taken, and 
condemned to be scourged, and then beheaded. At this 
time, he was in the seventy-fourth or seventy-fifth year of 
his age. A pardon was offered him, if he would only 
sacrifice to the gods. But he refused, with true Christian 



What kind of laws did lie p \ss ? What is said of the Christian leaders ? 
"What did they resolve to do ? How did they defend the Church ? What 
is said of Justin's Apology ? What effect had these Apologies ? How did 
the faithful suffer \ What is said of the death of Justin \ 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 97 

fortitude. He was then executed according to the sen- 
tence. From the manner of his death, he has been called 
the martyr. But the most celebrated of the holy martp's 
who perished at this time, was the truly venerable St. 
Polycarp. This aged saint was born near Antioch, and 
sold in his childhood to a noble lady, whose name was 
Calista. She trained him up under her own eye, and, at 
the time of her death, made him the heir of all her proper- 
ty. This he soon spent, chiefly in objects of charity. He 
became a Christian through the influence of Bucolus, bish- 
op of Smyrna. This bishop took him under his especial 
care, and, having sufficiently instructed him, he ordained 
him deacon, and made him catechist. Having filled these 
offices well and with great favor, he was made bishop of 
Smyrna upon the death of Bucolus. Christians, every- 
where, held him in the highest esteem, and St. Jerome 
calls him "The prince of all Asia." His care of the 
Churches extended even to Rome, and when he visited 
its bishop, he was received with every mark of respect. 
He attended him through the most sacred Christian mys- 
teries, officiated in his presence, strengthened those who 
were living godly lives, and labored with great zeal and 
fidelity to reclaim to the truth those who were in error. 
He made it the first business of his life, wherever he went, 
to lead men to embrace the religion of Christ in spirit and 
in truth. We learn how highly he was esteemed of the 
Lord, by reading Rev. ii. 8-10. When he first heard he 
was called for to receive the martyr's crown, he expressed 



Who was the most celebrated of the martyrs ? What occurred in the 
childhood of Polycarp ? What is said of Calista? How did he spend his 
fortune? What is said of Bucolus? Give a further account of Polycarp. 
How was he received by the bishop of Eome ? What did he make the 
great business ot his life \ What dues St. John say of him \ 



98 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

no alarm nor regret. Nearly his whole time was spent in 
prayer for all men, and for the Church throughout the 
world. Three days before he was taken he had a remark- 
able vision. His pillow seemed to be on fire. From this 
warning, he learned what death he should suffer, and fore- 
told that he would be burned alive. 

When he was taken by his enemies, he was absent from 
the city. On his return, he was met by Herod, the chief 
officer, and Nicetes, his father. They were riding in a 
chariot, and took him in with them. This was not done to 
make his journey more pleasant and honorable, but to give 
them the better opportunity to persuade him to renounce his 
religion and forsake Christ. "When they made the attempt 
to shake his faith, and induce him to deny his Lord, he 
remained silent. Thinking, by his silence, that his faith 
was wavering, they pressed him yet harder. He then 
firmly refused to listen to their evil counsel. Upon hearing 
this, they cruelly threw him from the chariot, and mocked 
him. In his fall to the ground he was injured, yet he raised 
not a murmur nor rebuke. Of his own accord, he went on 
towards the place where he expected to become a sacrifice. 
As lie was proceeding, a voice from heaven was heard say- 
ing to him — " Be strong, Polycarp, and quit thyself like a 
man." Many of those about him heard this, but no one 
saw him that spake. The proconsul then endeavored to 
persuade him to renounce his faith, saying — " Reverence 
thy old age." " Swear by Caesar's fortune. Repent and 
say — Take away the w T icked." Then the venerable Saint, 



What is said of a vision he saw? How did he interpret it? Who met 
him on his return to the city ? How did they treat him ? What did they 
try to do ? What did they do with him when he refused to deny Christ ? 
How did he then proceed ? What voice did he hear? "What did the pro- 
consul endeavor to do ? What conversation took place ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 99 

looking sternly upon the whole multitude of heathen that 
were about him, shook his hand at them, and, looking up 
to heaven, he said — " Take away the wicked." But when 
the proconsul still insisted on his denying his Lord, the 
holy martyr replied? — "Eighty and six years have. I now 
served Christ, and he has never done me the least wrong ; 
how then can I blaspheme my King and my Saviour ? " 
The officer then threatened to throw him to the wild 
beasts, but it did not terrify him. He then said — " Seeing 
thou despisest the wild beasts, I will cause thee to be 
devoured by fire, unless thou repent." To this threat the 
aged hero replied — " Thou threatenest me with fire, which 
burns for an hour, and so is extinguished, but knowest not 
the fire of the future judgment, and of that eternal punish- 
ment which is reserved for the wicked. But why tarriest 
thou ? Bring forth what thou wilt ? " He was then con- 
demned to be burned alive. The whole multitude, with 
great alacrity, proceeded to put the sentence into exe- 
cution. They ran and gathered fuel wherever they could 
find it, and the Jews, with utmost pleasure, helped them in 
their work. In the mean time the venerable servant of the 
Lord awaited his death with the greatest composure, and 
was so filled with divine grace that his countenance shone 
with a heavenly radiance. He was led to the stake, and 
bound to it. After he had ended a fervent prayer, the fire 
was kindled. It burned with great fury, and the flames 
arose to a very great height ; but, to the amazement of all, 
they did not harm him. They rose in circles around him, 



What did St. Polycarp reply ? How long had Polycarp served Christ ? 
What did the officer threaten? What effect did it produce ? What fur- 
ther reply did the saint make ? What was the sentence pronounced upon 
him ? Who prepared the lire ? What part did the Jews take ? How was 
the saint employed in the mean time ? What is said of the flames ? 



100 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

curved like the sails of a ship when filled with the wind. 
In this circle of flame he stood, and his body shone like sil- 
ver or gold glowing in a furnace. And yet another won- 
der appeared ; from the flames issued a fragrance as sweet 
and delightsome as if the richest spices were confined 
within them. When his persecutors saw that the flames 
did him no harm, the executioner was ordered to stab him. 
When this was done, so vast a quantity of blood flowed 
from his body that the fire was extinguished by it. Thus 
perished this blessed and illustrious martyr. In other parts 
of the empire the persecution raged furiously, and in some 
places the Church was almost extinguished. It was so at 
Lyons and Vienne, where Pothinus was bishop. Here 
Christians suffered a variety of the most excruciating tor- 
ments. That the reader may gain some idea of what suf- 
ferings multitudes were compelled to undergo for Christ's 
sake, and witness the power of a living faith in the Saviour, 
one example is here given of the sufferings of a lady in the 
diocese of Pothinus. Her name was Blandina. This 
female endured a succession of torments, at sight of which 
her brutal persecutors were amazed. No mere mortal 
body, they thought, could sustain what she did and live. 
They exerted themselves from morning till night, with all 
the ingenuity they possessed. When one became weary 
of tormenting, another took his place. At length, being 
overcome by her constancy, they confessed there were no 
more sufferings they could invent to inflict upon her. She 
was then cast into prison, with all the anguish of a body 



What miracle occurred? How did his body appear? "What issued 
from the flames ? What did his enemies next do ? What wonder re- 
sulted ? Where else did the persecution rage ? To what extent ? Give 
an account of the sufferings of Christians at Lyons and Vienne. Describe 
the sufferings of Blandina. 






PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 101 

torn and bruised by her tormentors, to await another trial 
of her faith. When again brought to the torture, she was 
bound and suspended upon a stake where wild beasts 
could rend and devour her. While she thus hung upon the 
stake, in the form of a cross, she reminded the other suf- 
ferers around her of the last and bitter agonies of the 
Saviour, and exhorted them to hold fast their hope in 
Christ. When she had endured this torture until the eyes 
of the barbarous multitude were satisfied, she was taken 
down, still living, and reserved for yet another and a final 
conflict. At the last trial of her faith, her persecutors be- 
came extremely furious, and, regardless of her sex, com- 
pelled her to undergo still more revolting torments. She 
was confined in a heated iron chair until she was literally 
roasted alive, while the fumes that arose from her body 
nearly suffocated her. From this chair she was taken, and, 
being bound in a net, was cast before a furious bull, who 
tossed her upon his horns until she was unconscious, after 
which the spark of life that remained was extinguished. 
The venerable Pothinus was also made the sport of the 
wicked multitude. But he was already nigh the grave, 
and a short infliction of cruelty put out the flickering lamp 
of his decayed nature. This is called the fifth persecution. 

Upon what was she suspended ? By what was she rent and torn ? What 
was the next deed of torture ? What was the last of her torments ? What 
other distinguished martyr suffered ? What is the number of this per- 
secution ? 



102 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

A REST TO THE CHURCH. — CHRISTIAN WRITERS. — VEXED 
QUESTION OF EASTER. 

After the death of Marcus Antonius, which occurred in 
the year of our Lord 180, Christians suffered but little 
persecution for seventeen years. During that time, several 
emperors reigned over the Roman empire. No one, how- 
ever, gave the enemies of Christians permission to perse- 
cute them. While this rest continued, the Church had 
time "to strengthen in every way. After this bloody con- 
flict, the followers of Christ appeared like an army of vet- 
eran soldiers, when a glorious victory has been gained by 
them after a hard-fought battle : they pay due honors to 
their brave companions who have fallen in the fight, they 
close up their thinned ranks, furbish their swords, cleanse 
their firelocks, place their sentinels, and make ready for 
another and still more desperate struggle. So the Church 
took delight in honoring the sainted heroes who had fallen 
in the Christian fight. They refilled the places of the fallen 
by a multitude of brave volunteers, who had witnessed, 
with admiration, the triumphs of the Church ; put in order 
every weapon they possessed, for successful warfare against 
the arch enemy ; and they stood, as vigilant sentinels, on 

When did Marcus Antonius die ? How long a peace ensued ? What was 
the state of the Church after the persecution? What illustration is given ? 
W^at course did the faithful pursue ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 103 

the walls of Zion, made doubly watchful from knowing the 
fact that the enemy had only been repulsed, not subdued, 
and that he would soon return again to his assault. The 
recent persecution had purified the Church, and the fear of 
like calamities in the future tended to preserve its purity. 
But the wonderful fortitude which Christians showed under 
these fiery trials, struck many of the heathen with admira- 
tion. This was especially the case when they were sus- 
tained and encouraged in a remarkable manner by their 
Lord, as was St. Polycarp. The glorious deaths of the 
martyrs, and the wonders and miracles which Christians 
performed, showed to the pagan world that God approved 
and favored Christians. This witness of divine favor led 
many, while the fires of persecution were raging, and after 
they had subsided, to embrace the faith of Christ. Among 
those who flocked into the Church were men of science 
and education. The number of these was all the while 
increasing, and, at the time of which we write, there were 
many learned men in the Church. Nor were they idle. 
They used their talents faithfully and to good advantage 
in defence of the truth. The writings which Justin Martyr 
left to the Church proved a great blessing. Among these 
was a book which treated of the princij^al points of Chris- 
tian morals. This subject was also written upon by other 
holy and learned men. They presented to the eyes of the 
unbelieving, and of those wicked men who had charged 
Christians with vile practices and principles, the purest, 
most sublime, and beautiful system of morals the world 
had ever seen. Another valuable book of the martyr, was 

Was the enemy subdued? What effect had the persecution on the 
Church? What on the heathen ? What did the glorious deaths of mar- 
tyrs show ? Did they make any converts ? What is said of learned men 
in the Church? How did they use their talents ? What is said of the 
writings of Justin? W T hat other writers are mentioned? 



104 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

an exposition of the book of Revelation. Theophilus, 
bishop of Antioch, wrote a commentary on the four Gos- 
pels. Pantamus, the head of the school at Alexandria, and 
Clement, his pupil and successor, both wrote commentaries 
on the Scriptures. 

Melito, bishop of Sardis, was an able writer, and the 
author of many works. The subjects upon which he wrote 
were various, but were all of a religious and practical 
character. He also wrote an able and spirited apology for 
Christians, and addressed it to the emperor Marcus Aure- 
lius. He has, fortunately for the Church, left a catalogue 
of the canonical books of the Old Testament, which is the 
same we now have. 

Appolinaris, bishop of Hierapolis, likewise addressed an 
Apology to the same emperor. He was the author of sev- 
eral other works, chiefly controversial. 

Irena3us, who had succeeded Pothinus as bishop of Lyons, 
did the Church a good service by laboring to render harm- 
less the influence of its internal enemies. For at all times 
the fold of Christ has had wolves within it as well as with- 
out. While his brethren were contending against its ex- 
ternal foes, he directed his attention to the internal welfare 
of the Church, and endeavored to preserve it pure from 
false teachers and false doctrines. He presented before 
the eyes of his brethren the contrast between the true 
faith and heresy, so that every one who might attempt to 
teach unsound doctrines would be immediately exposed. 
Like one who is skilful in detecting and exposing base 
currency, and makes it his business to instruct others in 
the same, art, so did Ir en reus expose false teachers and 

"What can you say of the writings and works of the bishop of Sardis? 
What of Appolinaris ? Who was successor of Pothinus ? What labors did 
he perform ? What illustration of his ability is given? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 105 

false doctrines, and taught distinctly what was true. His 
work was written in five volumes, in the Greek language, 
and is one of the most precious monuments which the 
primitive Church has left. But these able Christian writers 
did not, by any means, confine themselves to the writing 
of a few Apologies, and combating a few errors. They 
wrote upon a great variety of topics, and against all the 
forms of error, and triumphantly defended the doctrines 
and practices of Christians. In the latter part of this cen- 
tury, this band of able writers was enlarged by the addi- 
tion of the justly celebrated Tertullian. He was the child 
of heathen parents, and had been educated in their schools. 
But he was led to examine the claims of Christianity, 
which resulted in his conversion to the faith. He entered 
the Church with hearty sincerity and ardent zeal. His 
talents were of a very superior order, and he was one of 
the most finished scholars that has graced the Church in 
any age. He wrote in a polished and eloquent style, and 
was one of the brightest ornaments in the literary world, 
as well as in ecclesiastical matters. St. Cyprian called him 
" The master." Vincent of Lerins said " that every word 
of Tertullian was a sentence, and every sentence a triumph 
over error." His works are among the most useful to the 
student of Church History that can be found among the 
early writers. 

Though the body of the faithful suffered severely from 
persecution, yet this was not the only affliction. It had 
other and most painful trials. There were those occasion- 
ally found in its bosom, that had the spirit of Judas. Like 



What can yon say of the value of his works ? Did these writers confine 
themselves to one topic? Who was Tertullian ? What were his talents? 
What is said of his style ? What is said of him by St. Cyprian and Vin- 
cent ? What other enemies had the Church? 



106 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

him, in hope of some selfish advantage, they followed 
Christ in the midst of dangers, ready to crucify Him when 
their present advantage invited them. Complaints of these 
are frequently found in Church History, even as early as 
the times of the Apostles. There were those in the Church 
who taught false doctrines and introduced corrupt princi- 
ples and practices. Near the close of this century, a learned 
and celebrated Christian philosopher was a cause of serious 
injury to the cause of Christ. The name of this scholar 
was Ammonius, also called Saccas, because, when a youth, 
he was a sack-bearer. His parents were Christians, and he 
was educated at the famous school of Alexandria, which 
sent forth so many ripe scholars. The writings of Plato, 
the most celebrated of heathen philosophers, were greatly 
admired by him. He labored to blend the principles of 
this philosophy with Christianity, and he so far succeeded 
in his attempt, that he influenced many of the brightest 
lights in the Church to adopt his course. In their teach- 
ing, they wrapped the simple principles of the Gospel in 
the dark folds of mystery; and, to prevent the light of 
revealed truth from shining out clearly, they drew over it 
a veil of obscurity. Thus, in their teachings, they destroyed 
the beautiful simplicity of the doctrines of Christ. They 
presumed to add their own precepts to those given by our 
Lord, and they introduced vain ceremonies in religious 
services, by which means the minds of men were afterwards 
estranged from the true and humble worship of God. 

The vexed question, between the Churches of the East 
and West, about the proper time of celebrating the great 



Who was Ammonius? What is said of his parentage and education? 
What were his errors ? What success attended the propagation of them ? 
What further is said of the vexed question concerning the time of observ- 
ing Easter ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 107 

festival of Easter, was again agitated. We have already 
learned how St. Polycarp failed in his attempt to settle 
this question with Anicetus, bishop of Rome. From that 
time, till near the close of this century, the subject had 
caused no serious disturbance. Bat, when Victor was 
bishop of Rome, it once more caused serious trouble in the 
Church. There appeared to be a mutual desire, between 
these two local divisions of the Church, to have a uniform- 
ity of practice in this respect. But neither of them was 
willing to yield to the other. Each wished the other to 
conform to their practice. All the Churches of the West, 
with those of Egypt, were of the opinion that the Eastern 
practice was wrong and should be changed. It was the 
practice of the whole Church, at this time, to strictly ob- 
serve "The Great Week," or Passion Week, in honor of 
the death and resurrection of our Lord. It was also the 
practice to celebrate a solemn feast on some day during 
the week, which they called the Paschal feast, or Passover. 
This was kept in imitation of Christ's example of eating 
the Passover with, his disciples, just before he was betrayed. 
The Asiatic Churches held this feast three days before they 
celebrated the resurrection. The Western Churches op- 
posed this, because it interrupted the solemn fast of Holy 
Week, which they considered very unbecoming. Hence, 
to avoid this impropriety, they celebrated the feast on the 
night before the resurrection, and so connected it with the 
great festival of Easter. But the practice of the Easterns, 
of celebrating this feast on a fixed day of the month, and 
three days before the resurrection, was followed by another 



What took place while Victor was bishop ? What was the mutual wish ? 
What was the practice of the whole Church ? What was observed in Pas- 
sion Week? When did the Asiatic Churches observe the Paschal feast? 
How did the Western differ on this point ? 



108 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

serious difficulty, which hindered the Western from con- 
forming to them. It often brought the festival of Easter 
on some other day of the week than the first. This was 
considered most improper by all the Churches except 
those of Asia ; because the first day of the week was the 
day upon which this glorious event occurred, and therefore 
it was properly called the Lord's day, and ought to be 
observed as a feast. In consequence of this difference of 
opinion, a very bitter controversy arose; the Easterns 
contending they had obtained their practice from the 
Apostles St. John and St. Philip, and the Westerns, that 
they had received theirs from St. Paul and St. Peter. 
Victor, bishop of Rome, now undertook to compel the 
Churches of Asia to conform to the Western practice. He 
conferred with some foreign bishops, and then wrote a 
letter to the bishops of the East, in a tone of authority, 
commanding them to change their practice, and conform 
to that of the West. The Eastern bishops treated this 
lordly letter in the manner we would expect. It was 
received with respect, as a letter from a distinguished 
brother prelate ; but as far as the tone of authority was 
concerned, it was treated with utter indifference. They 
appointed Polycritcs, bishop of Ephesus, to answer him. 
He accordingly wrote to Victor, and informed him, in a 
bold manner and with spirit, that they should by no 
means change that venerable practice which had been 
handed down from their fathers. This able and spirited 
reply, on the part of the bishops of Asia, greatly offended 
Victor, and he pronounced them unworthy the name of 

What other difficulty in the Eastern practice ? Why was this considered 
very improper? What evils resulted from this difference in practice? 
What authority was appealed to? W 7 bat course did Victor pursue? How 
did the Easterns treat his letter. Who was Polycrites ? Plow did he reply 
to Victor ? What effect had this reply ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 109 

Christian brethren ; declared he would hold communion 
with them no longer, and then separated them from all 
fellowship with his Church at Rome. But his example was 
not followed by the other bishops who differed from the 
Eastern practice. They could not approve the course 
pursued by Victor. But this controversy was fortunately 
stopped by the aid of the wise and prudent counsel of 
Irenseus. This holy man wrote to Victor, and convinced 
him that he had acted with great imprudence and rashness. 
The subject was then allowed to rest, till it was finally 
settled, in the fourth century, by the first general Council 
of the Church, held at Nice. Then the practice of the 
Easterns was abolished, and a uniform practice adopted 
throughout the world. 

The Church was further disturbed, at this time, by an- 
other turbulent spirit. His name was Montanus, and his 
native place was Pepuya, a little village in Asia Minor. 
He was an ignorant man, and had nothing to commend 
him, either of learning, birth, or good sense. He taught 
that the moral precepts of Christ and His Apostles allowed 
indulgence to Christians, on account of the infirmities of 
those among whom they lived. This, he declared, was an 
imperfection in those precepts, and that he had been sent 
of God to put a finishing touch to them, which would make 
them perfect. Having, as he pretended, this license from 
God, he impiously added many rigid laws to the Gospel, 
and increased the number of fasts far beyond the usage of 
the Church. Second marriages he condemned as unlawful 



Was his course approved? What part did Irenseus take in the contro- 
versy ? With what effect 3 When was the question finally settled ? How- 
was the Church further disturbed? Who was Montanus ? What were his 
qualifications? What errors did he propagate? What impiety did he 
manifest to the Bible? 



110 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

for Christians ; and those who had fallen into grievous sins, 
he decided should not only be expelled from the Church, 
but never again absolved, or restored to communion with 
the faithful. He condemned all nicety of dress, and espe- 
cially those ornaments which females usually wear. He 
taught that philosophy, the fine arts, and every thing like 
polite learning, should be banished from the Church,. If 
Christians tried to escape from persecution, or paid money 
to their judges as a ransom for their liberty or lives, he 
charged it upon them as a great crime. On account of 
these errors and extravagant opinions, Montanus was ex- 
communicated, and the sentence was approved by the 
unanimous voice of the whole Church. He first established 
his sect at Pepuya, his native place, and from there it 
spread abroad through Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe. 

How did lie treat Christians who had greatly sinned ? To what did he 
restrict the dress of females? What was his opinion of learning ? What 
was his opinion of Christians who tried to escape from persecution ? What 
success attended his exertions % How did the Church deal with him ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. Ill 



CHAPTER XIY. 

COMMODUS. — SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS. — SIXTH PERSECUTION. 

Upon the death of Aurelius, the glory of the empire 
rapidly passed away. Commodus, his son and successor, 
possessed none of the ability or virtues of his father. He 
abandoned himself to the voluptuous pleasures of Rome, 
and became a foul and loathsome debauchee. His reign 
was inglorious, and he died by the hands of conspirators. 
It is probably owing to his thus surrendering himself to 
indulgence in dissipating pleasures, that he molested his 
Christian subjects so little. And yet a number of martyrs 
perished during his. reign, of whom the most celebrated 
was Appolonius. He was renowned for his wisdom and 
learning, and vindicated the religion of Christ nobly to the 
last. The judge having expressed an earnest wish that he 
would address the senate in his own defence, he complied, 
and defended his faith with great power and eloquence. 
But, according to the laws of the empire, he must die, and 
he was accordingly condemned and beheaded. Nor did 
the one who informed against him escape the just reward 
of his infamy. In the act of giving information at the 
time he did, he violated the laws. He was condemned 
also, and suffered a more painful and degrading death than 
the accomplished martyr. 

"What is said of the empire on the death of Aurelius ? What was the 
character of Commodus? Were Christians persecuted by him? Why 
not? Appolonius? What permission was granted? What was the 
penalty of the informer ? 



112 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

The conspirators that took the life of Commodus, raised 
Pertinax, prefect of the city, to the irrlperial throne. 
He was a virtuous man, and, educated in the school of 
Aurelius, he proceeded at once to rectify the disorder of 
the empire. But the military were displeased with a 
character so virtuous and a ruler so economical of the 
public treasury, and in less than three months from the 
time they took the oath of allegiance, they brutally 
murdered him in his palace, in a. d. 193. They im- 
mediately placed Didius Julian us on the throne. The 
wealth of this man, and the free use he made of it with 
the military, procured for him the crown. His vices, which 
were kindred to those of Commodus, were no objection to 
his elevation, in their estimation. But his reign was of 
short duration. He had occupied the throne only a few 
months, when he was deposed by the senate, and executed 
like a common criminal. In the mean while the Church 
continued to make progress, and showed its strength in 
peace as well as amidst bloody trials. It extended its 
sacred arms wider and wider, and grasped more and more 
of the world in its holy embrace. Already it had made, 
among other countries, large conquests in Britain, as we 
learn from Tertullian. In the year 190, he says — "There 
are places in Britain, inaccessible to the Roman arms, 
which are subdued to Christ." It had, indeed, made good 
use of this season of quiet, in adding to its strength, 
and preparing for the terrible storm of affliction that was 
impending. 



Who succeeded Commodus ? By whom was Pertinax made emperor ? 
What was his character ? How long did he reign? Who succeeded him ? 
What made him ruler? Give an account of his reign. What was his 
end ? Did the Church make progress amidst these civil commotions ? 
What is said of its progress in Britain ? Tertullian's account ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 113 

Upon the death of Didius Julianus, Septimius Severus 
became emperor. He was a military commander of great 
ability, and his rivals utterly failed to make head against 
him. He triumphed over them all, and treated them with 
cruel severity. At the commencement of his reign, he ap- 
pears not to have been an enemy to Christianity. It is 
said that he had been cured of a severe disease by a Chris- 
tian whose name was Proculus. He showed his favor to 
Christians by receiving Proculus as a member of his house- 
hold, and by selecting a Christian nurse for his son Anto- 
nius. But a few years after he had been seated on the 
throne, he was, in some way, induced to grant permission 
to persecute his Christian subjects. A permission of this 
kind was sufficient. The violence of the mob, the jealousy 
of the heathen priests, the contempt of the philosophers, 
and the bitterness of the Jews, were sufficient to send them 
all in quest of their innocent victims with the eagerness of 
bloodhounds. This persecution, though it fell with greatest 
violence on Palestine and Egypt, was general and extremely 
severe. It extended to all the provinces of the empire, and 
multitudes of Christians perished in the most revolting 
manner. Among the many who suffered, there are two 
who deserve especial notice. The name of one was Pota- 
miasna, a beautiful and accomplished lady; the name of 
the other was Basilides, an officer in the Roman army, who 
was appointed to conduct her to execution. Before her 
final sufferings, her judge used every endeavor to induce 
her to forsake the faith and deny her Lord. But when he 

What can you say of Septimius Severus ? Was he an enemy to Chris- 
tians ? Of what had he been cured ? By whom ? How did he show his 
favor to Christians ? What change took place in his conduct? What is 
said of the severity and extent of the persecution ? What two distin- 
guished martyrs suffered ? How was Potaniieena treated ? How did she 
endure her sufferings ? 



114: PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

had tortured her body in every conceivable way, to cause 
the most agonizing pains, without the effect he desired, he 
condemned her to death. It fell to the lot of Basilides to 
conduct her to execution. As they were j>roceeding to the 
place of her last sufferings, she was insulted by the cruel 
multitude with vile language, who also attempted to vent 
their fury upon her person. But her noble conduct, and 
the insults of the brutal crowd, excited the profoundest 
sympathy of Basilides, and he repelled their attempts, and 
shielded her from their assaults. This sympathy did not 
escape her notice. She encouraged the kindly feeling in 
his heart, and told him she would intercede with her Lord 
for him, and it would not be long before she would reward 
him for his kindness to her. Then, with true Christian 
fortitude, she submitted to her fate. Boiling pitch was 
poured over different parts of her body, little by little, to 
prolong her sufferings. This was continued till her whole 
body was covered, from her feet to the crown of her head. 
Thus perished the body of this heroic and blessed martyr. 
Soon after her death, she appeared in a vision to Basilides, 
by night, and placed a crown upon his head, saying she had 
entreated the Lord in his behalf, and her prayer had been 
answered. She also told him that he would soon join her 
in the spirit-land. After this strange event, he avowed 
himself a Christian, and was baptized. The enemies of 
Christ then accused him of the crime of being a Christian, 
and he was brought before the judge. Having acknowl- 
edged the fact, and ' remaining firm in the faith, he was 
condemned and sentenced to be beheaded. He cheerfully 



What is said of Basilides ? How was she treated on her way to execu- 
tion ? What is said of her guard ? What cruelties were inflicted on her? 
What occurred soon after her death ? What effect had this vision on Basi- 
lides ? How was he treated ? What was his end ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 115 

submitted to his fate, and bore a noble testimony to the 
blessedness of the faith in Christ. 

An attempt was made by Tertullian to stop the progress 
of this persecution. He exerted his great abilities in wri- 
ting an Apology for Christianity, against the heathen, and 
addressed it to the governors of the provinces. In this 
celebrated defence of the truth, he demonstrated the utter 
falsity of the charges made against Christians by their 
enemies. He showed they were true and faithful subjects. 
It is the best work that was written in favor of Chris- 
tianity, in the early ages of the Church. The Apology 
failed, however, in arresting the storm. Its bloody current 
rolled on from the conclusion of the second into the third 
century. Severus, by a cruel edict, forbade Christians 
making proselytes of his subjects, and his subjects were 
forbidden to become Christians or Jews. This law gave 
the enemies of Christ the opportunity their hearts desired, 
of doing his Church the greatest possible harm. For no 
law could be enacted, however severe, that would prevent 
Christians teaching the doctrines of the Gospel, and using 
their utmost influence to convert every heathen to the 
faith. And when the truth of God was preached with so 
great power and zeal, attended by the mighty influence of 
the Holy Spirit, it brought the heathen to a knowledge of 
that truth, though all the powers of darkness rose against 
it. In the face of this odious law, and with the dreadful 
consequences of disobeying it, before their eyes, being 
assured that nothing less than the infliction upon them 
of severest torments would be their earthly portion, the 
champions of the cross still dealt faithfully with the 



What attempt was made to arrest this persecution ? What was the im- 
port of Tertullian's Apology ? What effect did it have ? Could any law 
prevent the spread of the Gospel ? 



116 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

precious souls of the unconverted around them. They con- 
tinued to labor fearlessly in the cause of their divine Mas- 
ter, and success crowned their efforts. The Gentiles came 
flocking into the Church, regardless of what man could do 
unto them. Nor were the heathen magistrates slow in 
enforcing the law upon them. They used their power to 
its very extent in the pursuit of Christian blood, destroy- 
ing both men and women in their fury. Among the mar- 
tyrs that suffered during the reign of Severus were several 
illustrious persons. Irenseus, the venerable, learned, and 
faithful bishop of Lyons, Victor, bishop of Rome, and 
others, perished like heroes, who anticipate in the future a 
happier and more peaceful home than this world can afford, 
and a more precious crown than ever sat on the brow of 
an earthly monarch. They left behind them immortal 
names — names that will be dear to every Christian heart to 
the latest generation. This is called the sixth persecution. 
The emperor Severus, who permitted, if he did not en- 
courage, this barbarous treatment of his innocent and most 
dutiful subjects, has left a stain upon his name that time 
will fail to erase. Nor was he allowed to go down to his 
grave in peace. In the closing days of his life he received 
the. frowns of his offended God, whose Church he had tried 
to destroy. His peace and happiness were taken from him 
by one of the severest sources of human misery. His 
family were rent to pieces by the most violent discord. 
His two sons, Caracalla and Geta, quarrelled with each 
other, and' cherished deadly hatred one towards the other. 

What effects attended the preaching of the Gospel ? Did the clergy- 
shrink from duty because of the opposition? How did the magistrates 
use their power ? What distinguished martyrs suffered ? What is said 
of the memory of these. Christian heroes? What of the memory of Sev- 
erus? Did he die in peace? What domestic affliction is mentioned? 
What is said of his two sons ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 117 

This domestic affliction greatly grieved him, and he tried 
in vain to put a stop to it. Thinking that the exciting and 
stirring scenes of war would make his sons friends, by giv- 
ing active employment to their minds, he marched with an 
army into Britain, and took them with him. But all his 
attempts to remove their mutual hatred proved unavailing. 
The feud still continued, and blasted every hope of domes- 
tic peace. To add to his grief, his sons not only remained 
enemies to each other, but one of them laid a plot to 
destroy the life of his father. Failing in this, he even 
attempted to kill him with his own sword. In this he also 
failed. But these painful circumstances, combined with 
others, robbed Severus of all peace and comfort. They 
hastened the steps of a fatal disease that was preying upon 
him, and brought him quickly to his grave. He died at 
York, in a. d. 211, while attempting to be revenged on the 
Britons. 



What effect had their quarrel on his mind ? How did he try to divert 
them ? What effect did the exercise of war have on them ? What addi- 
tional infliction did he suffer ? What followed ? When and where did he 
die? 



118 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 



CHAPTER XV. 

ALEXANDER SEVERUS. A REIGN OF PEACE AND PROSPER- 
ITY. — ORIGEN. CHIEF BISHOPS. 

Upon the death of Severus, his two sons, Caracalla and 
Geta, were proclaimed joint emperors. But the odious 
Caracalla, who had attempted the life of his father, could 
not endure a joint inheritor, even in a brother ; and he 
therefore determined to kill him with his own hand. Pie 
took the earliest opportunity, and accomplished his pur- 
pose, even in the presence of his mother, whom he wounded 
in the arm while she attempted to protect her unresisting 
son. Having murdered his brother, he became the sole 
ruler of the empire. Deeds of blood and infamy distin- 
guished his reign of six years. As he purchased his throne 
by an act of murder, so he lost»it by the murderer's hand. 
He was assassinated in Syria. It is gratifying, however, to 
remember that he did not add to his other sins that of 
being a persecutor of Christians. He neither oppressed 
them himself, nor did he permit others to treat them with 
cruelty or injustice. Heliogabalus, his successor, though 
reputed to have been one of the most infamous of mortals, 
during his short reign of four years, followed the example 
of Caracalla in his treatment of his Christian subjects. 



"Who succeeded to the government ? What did Caracalla do? How did 
he die? Where? Was he a persecutor? Who succeeded Caracalla? 
What was the character of Heliogabalus"? How long did he reign ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHUECH HISTORY. 119 

Alexander Severus ascended the throne in a. d. 222. 
His character forms a delightful contrast with that of his 
two predecessors. He was amiable, just, virtuous, and 
humane. His reign appears, at this dark period of Roman 
history, like a beam of light falling upon a desert shrouded 
in darkness. He was endowed with a happy disposition 
and a superior intellect. His mother, Julia Mammsea, if 
she was not at heart a Christian, was at least partial to 
Christians. He cherished for his mother that love and 
veneration which every worthy mother has a right to 
expect from her child. It was doubtless the result of her 
careful training, that he was endowed with so many 
princely virtues. He was an accomplished scholar, a wise 
statesman, and an able commander. He reverenced Chris- 
tianity, and paid a sort of divine honor to Christ, its 
founder. Yet, even during his reign, Christians were not 
entirely free from persecution. Their enemies had the 
power to vex and torment them in various ways. Hence-, 
under the reign of the most indulgent princes of this 
period, occasionally a follower of Christ received the mar- 
tyr's crown. But, for the space of twenty-four years, they 
enjoyed a good degree of happy quiet. These golden years 
were used to good advantage by the Church. It grew 
mightily, through the holy zeal, fervent piety, and great 
fortitude of its members. Miracles, also, are said still to 
have aided in advancing the blessed work. Yet their num- 
ber was less than in the second century. This decrease in 
the number of miracles was accounted for from the fact 



When did Alexander Severus ascend the throne ? What was his charac- 
ter ? What is said of his mother ? How did he reward her ? How did he 
esteem Christianity? Did Christians suffer during his reign? How did 
the Church rest? How were these years improved? What is said of 
miracles ? 



120 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

that they were less needed than formerly. As the Church 
grew stronger, the necessity for miracles grew less and 
less, until at length it entirely ceased. The Head of the 
Church ceased to employ extraordinary means to extend 
the bounds of his kingdom, when ordinary means could 
accomplish the work. Another successful means employed 
to increase the prosperity of the Church, was the publish- 
ing great numbers of copies of the sacred Scriptures. The 
cordial invitation extended to the world to read the word 
of God, and see on what was founded the Christian's faith 
and practice — what were his hopes for the future, and what 
were his reasons for these glorious hopes — this means, sanc- 
tified by the Spirit of grace, helped mightily in the good 
work of converting the heathen. In addition to the Scrip- 
tures, other writings, from the pens of learned and holy 
men, who, since the days of the Apostles, had laid down 
their lives for the cause of Christ, were spread abroad. 
These books had been written from time to. time in defence 
of the Gospel, and showed the purity and innocence of the 
lives of those who lived according to its precepts, and they 
exposed the false charges made against them by their ene- 
mies. These writings were very fit companions to go with 
the sacred Scriptures, and great numbers of them were 
published and put in circulation. 

There was yet another means which aided greatly in ad- 
vancing the good cause ; it was the consistent lives of Chris- 
tians, as a body. They lived as they professed to live, and 
as the word of God required them to live. The pure and 
holy principles by which they were governed, shone forth 

What kind of means did God employ ? "What was a principal means of 
extending Christianity? What were used in addition to the Scriptures in 
this work ? What is said of the Apologies written ? What is said of the 
power of Christian example \ 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 121 

beautifully, before the eyes of the world, in acts of mercy 
and charity. They relieved the wants of the poor, carried 
hope and consolation to the distressed and sorrowful, and 
cheerfully forgave their enemies, persecutors, and slander- 
ers. The example of living according to the sacred princi- 
ples of the Gospel, caused Christians to be admired and 
respected by all lovers of virtue and the exercise of the 
best principles of the heart. The Church was also blessed, 
at this time, with men of great and powerful minds, who 
attained the highest eminence in learning, as well as godli- 
ness. These holy hearts and gifted intellects exerted a 
mighty power in extending the bounds of the Redeemer's 
kingdom. Of these able champions, no one excelled the 
great Origen. This renowned religious teacher and philos- 
opher was born of Christian parents, near the close of the 
second century. He was thoroughly and carefully edu- 
cated. While the persecution under Severus was raging, 
his father was seized by the enemies of Christ, and con- 
demned to die for his religion. Origen witnessed this deed 
of cruelty with heroic fortitude. He even wrote a letter of 
encouragement to him while he was confined in prison, 
awaiting the time of his execution. In this letter he used 
the following language : " Take heed, father, that you do 
not change your mind for our sakes." He was not yet 
quite seventeen years old, when his beloved father was 
thus torn from the embrace of his family, to suffer death 
for Christ's sake. Yet he was so zealously devoted to the 
cause of his divine Master, that he earnestly desired to 



In -what way did they illustrate the doctrines of the Gospel ? "What Is 
said of Christian talent at this period? Who was the chief? Give an ac- 
count of Origen. What is said of the death of his father? How did lie 
conduct on this occasion? How old was he at this time? What was his 
wish \ 

6 



122 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

give himself into the hands of the persecutors, that he 
might die with his father the death of a martyr. He was 
with difficulty restrained from this act of self-sacrifice by 
the influence of his fond and affectionate mother. After 
the death of his father, he was supported, for a while, by 
a lady of Alexandria ; but he soon gave up this depend- 
ence, and maintained both himself and the rest of his fam- 
ily, which consisted of his mother, and six children, young- 
er than himself. This he did by teaching a grammar- 
school. At the age of eighteen, Demetrius, bishop of 
Alexandria, placed him at the head of his catechetical 
school. This responsible office he filled with complete suc- 
cess, and to the entire satisfaction of his bishop. But he 
soon resigned this office, to enter upon a coursd-of life and 
action which he had marked out for himself. He changed 
his manner of life, denied himself the enjoyment of all lux- 
ury and ease, ate but little food, and that of the most sim- 
ple kind, went barefoot through the whole year, had but 
one simple garment at a time, and suffered himself to take 
but little repose, and that was taken on the ground. From 
this self-denial, and his intense application to study, he was 
called "The man of adamant." His public discourses 
excited the most lively and general interest ; and philoso- 
phers, the learned, the common people, and even the 
heathen, flocked together to hear him. He visited those 
who were confined in cells and dungeons for boldly confess- 
ing Christ, cheered and comforted them amidst their trials, 
went with them before their persecuting judges, attended 



How was be restrained? "What did he do after his father's death? 
What event occurred at the age of eighteen ? Who was Demetrius ? Did 
he retain this office long ? What course of self-denial did he pursue ? 
What was he called? What is said of his public discourses? Whom did 
he visit ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 123 

them, after they were condemned, to the place of execution, 
and, when they were about to die, he gave them the kiss 
of peace. In consequence of pursuing this fearless course, 
and because of the converts he made from heathenism, he 
was often exposed to great danger, and several times he 
was actually seized by his enemies and put to the torture. 
But his constancy never forsook him ; nor did his fidelity 
to his Master ever wane in the least. His fame continually 
increased, until it reached the ears of all the learned men 
of the world. The governor of Arabia, hearing of his wis- 
dom, requested Demetrius to send Origen to him, that he 
might converse with him. He accordingly went, and paid 
the Arabian prince a visit. As it resulted with every labor 
he undertook, so, in this instance, his visit resulted in great 
good to the Church ; for while there, he converted an 
Arabian tribe to the faith of Christ. This great and good 
man stood in the foremost rank of the army of the faithful, 
when the reign of peace began to the Church, at the close 
of the sixth persecution. He exerted himself, with others, 
in publishing and spreading abroad copies of the sacred 
Scriptures, and of the writings of the fathers, martyrs, and 
confessors. He labored to bring out every ability of the 
Church, and to extend its conquests over the nations. 

About this time, the Goths, a barbarous people who 
inhabited a part of Germania, were converted to the Chris- 
tian faith. Into other parts, hitherto unvisited by the mes- 
sengers of Christ, the Gospel found its way, and shed 
abroad its holy light. But while the Church was illumi- 

What effect had this conduct on his enemies ? What is said of his 
fame ? What did the governor of Arabia do ? What was the result of 
Origen's visit in Arabia ? How did he rank in the Christian arm}'-? Did 
he aid in circulating copies of the Bible ? What other writings did he 
spread abroad ? What else did he do ? What is said of the spread of the 
Gospel ? 



1M PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

nating portions of the earth that had reposed in darkness, 
it rapidly gained power and strength in those parts where 
it had already been established. The adult converts, how- 
ever, were received with caution into the Church. The 
practice, long before adopted, of giving them a course of 
thorough instruction before they were baptized, was still in 
force. Not till they were believed to be well acquainted 
with the essential principles of the Christian religion, were 
they admitted to this sacrament. After the candidates 
were baptized, they received Confirmation at the hands of 
the bishop. This holy rite had been received from the 
Apostles, and was used in imitation of their example. We 
are told by St. Cyprian what benefits the Church then 
believed resulted from Confirmation : " They who are pre- 
sented to the rulers of the Church, obtain, by our prayers 
and imposition of hands, the Holy Ghost." After the can- 
didate was baptized and confirmed, he returned to his 
home, clothed in white, with a crown upon his head. The 
white robe signified purity, and the crown indicated tri- 
umph over the world, the flesh, and the devil. He was 
then admitted to the Holy Communion. This blessed sac- 
rament was considered necessary to salvation in the case of 
all who were of proper age, where it could be had. Ves- 
sels of silver or gold were generally used to hold the 
elements of bread and wine, at the time of celebrating the 
sacrament. 

The remedy for sins committed after baptism, was peni- 
tence. A confession made to God only, was generally 



What course was pursued with adult converts ? What was done after 
baptism ? What does St. Cyprian say of Confirmation ? What took place 
after Confirmation ? What did the robe and crown signify ? To what was 
he then admitted ? What is said of its necessity ? What was the remedy 
for the sins of Christians ? 



PEINCTPLES OF CHUKCH HISTORY. 125 

deemed sufficient to obtain remission of secret sins. But 
those who had committed great secret sins, were advised 
to disclose their guilt to a proper minister, and receive his 
advice. With those who had committed open and scan- 
dalous sins, a different course was pursued. Some were 
excommunicated, and never again restored to the fellow- 
ship of the Church. Others, whose crimes were less heinous, 
had to undergo a long, severe, and painful course of pro- 
bation and discipline before they were readmitted to the 
Holy Communion. 

From the beginning, marriage was permitted to the 
clergy of every order. But those who remained unmar- 
ried, obtained a reputation for a higher degree of sanctity 
and virtue than others. This opinion was founded upon 
the teachings of St. Paul, and irpon the belief, which was 
held by many, that those who were married were more 
exposed to the influence of evil spirits than others. In con- 
sequence of these views, the people favored the celibacy of 
the clergy, and therefore a change of primitive practice in 
this respect. Many of the sacred order adopted these 
views, and conformed to the wishes of the people, espe- 
cially in Africa. The evil consequences of adopting this 
course, we shall soon have occasion to notice. 

Three bishops were looked upon as chiefs in the Church : 
these were, the bishop of Rome, for Europe ; the bishop of 
Alexandria, for Africa; and the bishop of Antioch, for 
Asia. But while these three bishops were considered 
leaders, they did not possess any more or greater spiritual 



What kind and degrees of penance did they have to undergo ? What is 
said of the marriage of the clergy ? What use was made of St. Paul's 
writings on this subject? What was the view of many of the people? 
W hich were the chief bishops at this time ? Did they possess greater spir- 
itual power than others ? 



126 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

authority than other bishops. Their eminence arose from 
the position of their dioceses. Their sees were the chief 
cities in their respective countries, and were called the 
metropolis. At these cities, the councils of the provinces 
were held, and, through respect, their bishops were chosen 
to preside over the councils while they were in session. In 
this way they obtained the peculiar deference that was 
paid to them. The fact of their becoming leaders in the 
Church, did not, therefore, arise from any superior spiritual 
power, or from any superiority in knowledge. 

The practice of fasting became more systematic than it 
had been during the previous centuries. The Italian 
Church fasted - on the seventh day of the week. The 
Greek and Eastern Churches refused to adopt this singular 
practice, and this circumstance caused a new subject of 
contention. As there was more order in the time and 
length of fasts than formerly, so a practice now generally 
prevailed of having stated hours for prayer each day ; 
these were at nine o'clock in the morning, at twelve 
o'clock, and at three in. the afternoon. But Christians 
were by no means confined to these hours in their devo- 
tional exercises. The pious sought every opportunity to 
retire to their closets and hold* communion with God in 
secret. They did not forget the example of St. James the 
Just, whto is said to have spent so much of his time on his 
bended knees, in secret communion with God, that they 
became hard, like camels' knees. 



What caused their eminence ? What is said of their sees ? What is said 
of fasting? On what day of the week did the Italian Church fast? Did 
the Eastern Church adopt this practice ? What is said of the hours for 
prayer ? What of secret prayer ? What of St. James the Just ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH EISTOBY. 127 



CHAPTER XVI. 

HEEETICAL SECTS OF THE TIIIED CENTURY. 

The Church, though free for so long a period from per- 
secution, was not free from trouble. The hatred of princes 
and magistrates, and the envy of heathen priests, were not 
the source of its greatest tribulation. There were troubles 
within of a far more formidable nature than those without. 
Enemies within the walls of the city are more dangerous 
than those without. Though the Church, at this time, 
enjoyed a freedom from persecution, and a rich and blessed 
prosperity, still there were enemies in the field with whom 
it had to contend. There was no time of perfect peace to 
the Church ; for as one enemy disappeared, or withdrew 
from the conflict, another came forward in his place. In 
this way it was kept always militant. Sects which appeared 
in the second century, continued in this, and gave the 
Church much pain and trouble. As often as they were 
beaten or repulsed, they would again rally to the support 
of their errors. When the champions of the truth thought 
they had effectually crushed an error, they would often be 
disappointed by seeing it again renew the conflict, perhaps 
in a new dress, or at a different point, and calling the 

When free from persecution, was the Church free from trouble? Which 
were the greater evils, the internal or external troubles ? Has the Church 
ever known a time of perfect peace ? What is said of trouble from sects? 
How were the defenders of the faith disappointed? 



128 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

watchmen on the walls to defend a part of the holy place 
which had not before been assailed. 

There was one event which caused the body of the faith- 
ful extreme pain. It was the loss of the polished Tertul- 
lian. He left the Church to embrace the errors of the 
ignorant fanatic, Montanus. By this act, one of the most 
accomplished Christian scholars and philosophers of his 
age, became the avowed enemy of philosophy and polished 
learning, and the advocate of gross errors. This painful 
event taught the humble disciples of the Lord how little 
dependence can be placed on man in his highest estate, 
and how weak he is in his greatest strength. It is a sig- 
nificant fact, worthy of a place in Church history, that a 
system of papal- supremacy was devised near the close of 
the second century. An account of this sect we find in 
the Clementine Homiles. In this system, Adam, Enoch, 
Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses, were made pil- 
lars, and superior to them all we find Christ ranked. St. 
James, first bishop of Jerusalem, was made pope. Clem- 
ent, in his address to him, calls him " the lord, and bishop 
of bishops, ruler of the holy Church of the Hebrews in 
Jerusalem, and of the Churches of God established every- 
where." In their system of doctrine, they blended errors 
from the Judaizers and the Gnostics. 

The Church was further disturbed, at this time, by another 
turbulent and daring spirit. This was Manes, a learned 
Persian. He had been highly educated in the schools of 
the Magi, a class of celebrated eastern sages, and he was 

What event caused the Church great pain ? How was he lost ? What 
lesson did the faithful learn from this event ? What new system was de- 
vised at this time? Where is the account of this sect found ? Who were 
made pillars ? Who was the pope ? What does Clement say of him ? 
What errors were blended in this sect ? What other turbulent spirit is 
mentioned ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 129 

himself one of that order. He was learned in philosophy, 
in astronomy, and in the science of medicine ; he was also 
accomplished in painting, and in every other branch of 
knowledge which made the schools of the Magi so justly 
celebrated. With all these accomplishments, and with a 
good degree of natural ability, he became a professed 
Christian. But, instead of leaving all which he had learned 
that was contrary to the Gospel of Christ behind him, he 
brought into the Church a firm attachment for the doc- 
trines taught in the schools where he had been educated. 
These doctrines he blended with those of Christ, and in 
order to make them agree, he dealt most wickedly and 
profanely with the sacred Scriptures. He taught that the 
Old Testament Scriptures were not the word of God, but 
that the prince of darkness was their author. He rejected 
the four Gospels, and the Acts of the Apostles, as sj^urious ; 
he declared that wicked men had altered the epistles of St. 
Paul to suit their own purpose, and therefore they were 
not just as he wrote them. In this daring and ungodly 
manner he treated the divine Scriptures, and tried, by 
throwing away some portions and changing others, to 
mould all that remained in harmony with his heathen doc- 
trines. He taught, further, that Christ had left the doc- 
trines of salvation imperfect, and that he had been sent as 
the promised Comforter, to guide men into all truth. 
Though his system embodied so many fatal errors, yet 
many embraced it, and followed him as their spiritual 
guide. These followers he divided into two classes, to one 



"Who was Manes ? "Was he altogether a Christian ? "What did he "bring 
■with him into the Church ? How did he deal with the Scriptures ? "What 
did he teach concerning the Old Testament ? How did he deal with the 
New Testament ? For what had he been sent ? What success attended 
his efforts ? Into how many classes did he divide his followers? 



130 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

of which he gave the name of elect, to the other, hearers. 
The elect were required to submit to a very rigid course of 
life, while the hearers were allowed indulgence in the com- 
forts and pleasures of the world. His system required 
that one man should be placed at its head, to represent 
Christ ; under him, and next to him in authority, were 
twelve officers, to represent the Apostles ; under them were 
appointed seventy others, who were to fill the place of the 
same number sent out by our Lord ; and still under these 
were the orders of presbyters and deacons. All the minis- 
ters were chosen from the class called the elect. This sect 
has always been distinguished by the name ManichaBan, 
called after its founder, whose name was Manes or Mani- 
chseus. But he did not long enjoy the success of his errors, 
for he was put to death by Varnes, king of Persia. 

The errors of the Gnostics still abounded, and assumed 
every variety of form. They proved to be a most produc- 
tive field for subtle and restless spirits in the Church : for 
speculative minds, that were never satisfied with the plain 
truths of Revelation, but were forever tampering with 
mysteries that exceed the limit of human research. This 
unholy disposition to trespass on foi">idden ground, appears 
in its most dangerous form in the attempt to explain the 
mystery of the Trinity. One of the first who made this 
profane attempt was ISToetus, an obscure citizen of Smyrna. 
He taught that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was not a 
distinct person from the Father ; but the Father united 
himself with the man Christ, was born with him, and cru- 
cified with him. Hence ISToetus and his followers were 



By -what names did he distinguish them ? What did his system require ? 
By what name was it called ? What was his end ? What is said of Gnos- 
tic errors? What sublime mystery did they tamper with? What were 
the errors of Noetus ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 131 

called Patripassians, a name which signifies that God the 
Father, and no other divine person, suffered for our sins. 

Sabellius, an African bishop or presbyter, about the mid- 
dle of the third century, propagated his errors. They 
were kindred to those of Xoetus. He denied the existence 
of three persons in the Trinity. He declared that Jesus 
Christ and the Holy Ghost were but a manifestation of the 
Father ; that they were portions of his divine energy, 
made manifest under these forms to accomplish his purpose 
in the salvation of men. It was, therefore, the Father that 
suffered on the cross, and not a person separate from him. 
Though his errors were exposed and refuted by Dionysius, 
the learned bishop of Alexandria, yet he succeeded in ob- 
taining many followers. 

Beryllus, bishop of Bozra, in Arabia, also made an 
attempt to explain the mystery of the Trinity. He was 
a man of eminent learning and piety ; yet, with these asso- 
ciated qualities, strange as it may appear, he departed from 
Catholic doctrine. He taught that Christ was not eternal ; 
that he did not exist before the blessed Virgin Mary ; that 
at the time of his birth, a spirit proceeded from the Father 
and was united to him, and that this spirit was superior to 
any human spirit, being of the essence of the eternal 
Father. But Origen refuted his errors in so lucid a man- 
ner, and with so great power and zeal, that he gave up the 
contest, renounced his errors, and returned to the bosom 
of the Church. 

Paul, bishop of Antloch, was likewise guilty of an 



"What was the name of his sect ? Who was Sabellius ? What his errors ? 
Who exposed his errors ? Did he obtain many followers ? "Who was 
Beryllus? What did he attempt to do? What is said of his talents? 
What were his errors ? By whom was he refuted ? Did he forsake his 
errors? Who was Paul, of Antioch ? 



132 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

attempt to destroy this central truth of the Gospel. In 
character he was the opposite of Beryllus. He possessed 
neither piety nor reverence. He was vain, worldly, and 
ambitious ; indulged in luxury and earthly pleasure with 
all the freedom of a rich courtier ; accepted an appoint- 
ment as magistrate or judge, and received a salary for the 
same. He was ambitious to make the Church attractive to 
the philosophers and nobility of the land, even at the sacri- 
fice of the most sacred truths of the Gospel. In his preach- 
ing, he was a pompous declaimer, and encouraged the 
congregation in irreverently expressing their pleasure at 
the performance, by cheering the preacher. In the mean 
while he managed so completely to control the people, that 
it was with difficulty a witness could be found to testify 
against him. His errors consisted in the denial of the 
doctrine of the three persons ; in asserting that the Son 
and the Holy Ghost exist in God, as different human facul- 
ties exist in man ; that Christ was born a mere man, but, 
after his birth, the Father imparted to him his icisdom or 
word, by which he performed his miracles. He was, there- 
fore, superior to man, but inferior to God. Several coun- 
cils were convened to inquire into his errors, before he 
could be convicted. At last, in a council assembled in the 
year 269, Malchion, a celebrated rhetorician, by means of 
a thorough cross-examination, forced from him an exposure 
of his errors. He was accordingly deprived of the office 
of bishop, and his errors condemned. His followers were 
called Paulinians. 



What was his character? "What civil appointment had he ? What was 
his ambition ? What was the style of his preaching? Could a witness be 
found against him ? Why not ? In what did his errors consist ? For 
what purpose were several councils convened ? At what council was he 
exposed? By whom? What were the consequences? What name was 
given to his followers ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 133 

While such errors as these were the most dangerous that 
could be propagated, they were not the only ones. The 
Gospel suffered from attacks at other points. A sect arose 
called Arabians, after the country where they appeared. 
They believed that the soul is not immortal, but perishes 
with the body ; yet it does not perish forever, for God will 
recall it to life, with the body. Origen was -again called 
upon to refute this error. He met them in full council, 
and so triumphantly exposed their error that they aban- 
doned it, and returned to catholic faith and unity. Other 
sects there were that flourished in this century, based on 
errors in doctrine, but we have only space to notice the 
principal ones. In fact, they were almost numberless. Des- 
titute of all unity among themselves, but arrayed against 
each other, they weakened their power by perpetual divi- 
sions and subdivisions, and were at length swallowed up 
and lost in heathenism. 



Who were the Arabians ? What were their errors ? Who exposed then 
errors ? With what success ? What is said of other sects ? 



134: PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

CELIBACY. — CONTROVERSIES. MILLENNIUM. — ORIGEN AND 

HIS WRITINGS. 

Other troubles, though perhaps not so perilous as here- 
sies, vexed the Church during this century, retarded its 
progress, and dimmed its glory. The perilous circum- 
stances that surrounded Christians induced a multitude of 
females to prefer an unmarried life, and to take on them 
the vows of perpetual virginity. Other circumstances con- 
sj)ired to swell the number. It was not uncommon for 
households to be divided, — a part being Christian, and a 
part heathen. In a family thus divided, it was a matter of 
great difficulty to train up children in the obedience of the 
Gospel. Wives were often subject to bitter restraint: 
their position was a painful one. Virginity was considered 
a more honorable state. It was free from care, human 
prudence approved it, and the praises of the people incited 
to it. Blinded by enthusiasm, many rashly took the vow, 
and afterwards rendered their characters infamous, and 
brought reproach upon Christianity. The virgins were 
flattered by the people, considered the brightest jewels of 
the Lord, and the fairest ornaments of the Church. They 
were so highly exalted, that they were almost beyond the 
reach of reproof from their bishops. This excessive indul- 

What additional troubles vexed the Church? What induced females, at 
this time, to prefer the unmarried state ? What consequences followed this 
enthusiasm for remaining unmarried ? Who flattered the virgins? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. loO 

gence made them immodest, leaders of fashion, spend- 
thrifts, idlers, and gossips; and, not unfrequently, they 
crowned their lives of sin and folly by becoming the con- 
cubines of the unmarried clergy. 

The popular voice, favoring the celibacy of the clergy, 
resulted disastrously also for the Church. Many of the 
clergy, especially in Africa, as we have had occasion to 
remark in a preceding chapter, consented to gratify the 
wishes of the people, and to remain in celibacy. Among 
them were not a few whose natures craved the indulgence 
of a married life. To compensate for this sacrifice, they 
received under their roof those holy sisters who had made 
a vow of perpetual chastity. Thus it became a common 
occurrence, that two of these celibates would associate in 
all the intimacy of man and wife. This scandalous con- 
duct, so repugnant to their holy profession and vows of 
chastity, as well as to the purity of the Gospel, gave occa- 
sion for public reproach, and created disgust in the minds 
of the heathen. It justly alarmed the virtuous rulers of 
the Church, and called forth their most strenuous efforts to 
remedy the evil. 

The controversies that were prevalent, during this cen- 
tury, served to cool the fervent zeal that had warmed the 
hearts of many of the disputants with a desire to see all 
believers united in opinion and practice. In their eager 
pursuit of victory, they forgot that the heathen world were 
observing their conflicts, and that they were casting ice 
upon the hearts of their brethren which had been united in 



"What effect had it on their minds ? What bad habits did they acquire ? 
What evils resulted from the celibacy of the clergy? What criminal in- 
dulgence was practised? What influence had this conduct on the Church 
and the world ? What was done by the virtuous rulers ? "What evil re- 
sults came from controversy ? 



136 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

the warm embrace of fraternal love. During the preceding 
century, the opinion had prevailed among Christians that 
Christ would come and reign in person a thousand years 
on the earth before its final destruction. This happy 
period they called the millennium. ~No controversy had 
ever been awakened in the Church on this subject, although 
there had been, from the beginning, a difference of opinion 
in regard to it. But, during the former part of the third 
century, many writers opposed it. The opposition to this 
view was led on by Origen, who engaged in the controver- 
sy with his accustomed ability and zeal. In consequence 
of the strong and influential opposition, the doctrine rapidly 
declined, and soon ceased to be popular. Efforts were 
made to restore its popularity, but without effect. The 
greatest intellects of the Church opposed it, and its sup- 
porters had the mortification of seeing this doctrine, which 
they considered so venerable and inspiring, continue to 
decline, in defiance of all their efforts. 

The controversy about the use of heathen learning, phi- 
losophy, and modes of argument, which disturbed the 
Church in the second century, was not allowed to slumber 
in this. When the miraculous gifts, which were so won- 
derfully and plentifully bestowed upon Christians of the 
first century, were greatly diminished, the clergy, seeing 
this fact, and knowing that their Lord designed to have 
them extend His kingdom by ordinary means, and less by 
those that were extraordinary, were induced to turn their 
attention to the use of the best means to accomplish the 



What opinion had prevailed in the first century? What was this happy 
period called ? What change took place in regard to this doctrine ? Who 
took the lead in opposition to the doctrine of the millennium ? What is 
said of the controversy about philosophy and learning ? What circumstance 
induced the clergy to resort to these means? 






PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 137 

purposes which presented themselves in the natural course 
of things. • This necessity which was imposed on the 
clergy, combined with a wish to make the Church attrac- 
tive and popular with the heathen, induced many of them 
to study and imitate the style of writing "and delivering 
discourses practised in the rhetorical schools of Greece and 
Rome. Several of the bishops of that time had been edu- 
cated in these schools when they were heathen. These 
bishops retained a fondness for this style, and took great 
pains in studying and preparing their discourses after a 
polished manner. This practice wakened afresh the con- 
troversy about human learning. Some believed that the 
study of philoso]ohy, and the acquisition of the learning of 
the Grecian and Roman schools, would be a great advan- 
tage to Christians in promoting the interests of the Church. 
Others deeply regretted the resort to heathen practice, 
and believed that it would prove injurious both to Chris- 
tianity and piety. The number that took sides on this 
controverted question were about equally divided. It was 
warmly discussed, and for a long time. Both parties pro- 
fessed to have at heart the welfare of their holy religion, 
and the prosperity of the kingdom of their Lord. It is 
not, therefore, a matter of surprise, that so deep an interest 
was felt in the subject; and, especially, since the import- 
ance of preaching was esteemed of so great consequence 
from the beginning, that St. Paul was moved by the Spirit 
to say, that " it pleased God, by the foolishness of preach- 
ing, to save them that believe." The wonderful growth 
of the Church, already, in spite of such terrible difficulties, 



"What schools did they imitate? "What is said of the education of some 
of the bishops ? What old controversy did this subject revive ? What ar- 
guments were used by the opponents ? How did the numbers compare ? 
Was this subject important ? What is said of the importance of preaching ? 



138 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

by the aid of the most plain and simple teaching, strength- 
ened the argument in favor of continuing the same prac- 
tice. But the advocates of learning gradually increased in 
numbers and influence, until at last their triumph was 
complete. This victory for philosophy and learning was 
won chiefly through the influence of Origen. He was the 
ardent and able advocate for their use in Christian dis- 
courses, and practised them with wonderful power and 
success. In his public lectures to the youth, he recom- 
mended these studies, in the highest praise, and in this 
way he succeeded in making them popular. Perhaps an- 
other circumstance, which occurred about this time, helped 
on the advocates of learning to the possession of victory. 
A number of learned and influential heathen offered to 
become Christians, if they might retain some of the doc- 
trines of Plato, which they thought were of superior excel- 
lence and merit. The desire to gain over these from 
heathenism to Christianity, and to secure their influence in 
favor of the cause of Christ, doubtless helped to make the 
party popular who were the advocates of learning. 

The famous Origen, who figures so largely in every part 
of Church History at this period, caused Demetrius, his 
bishop, some trouble. His first offence occurred during 
the reign of the odious Caracalla, about the year 217. The 
inhabitants of Alexandria were treated very cruelly by 
this wicked emperor, and Origen, to avoid these severities, 
fled into Asia. He improved his time in giving public lec- 
tures at Cresarea, in Palestine. While there, the bishop of 
the city invited him to expound the Scriptures publicly to 



Which party triumphed ? Who was the great champion on the side of 
learning? What did Origen recommend in his public lectures? What 
event occurred to help the advocates of learning ? What is said of the con- 
duct of Origen towards his bishop ? Where did he lecture ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHUECH HISTORY. 139 

Christian congregations. Although he had not yet been 
ordained a priest, he accepted the invitation. This irregu- 
lar conduct, done without authority and in violation of the 
canons of the Church, greatly offended Demetrius, and he 
was earnestly requested by that bishop to return to his dio- 
cese. He obeyed, and returned to Alexandria. But, before 
he left Asia, he was invited by the empress of Rome, who 
happened to be at Antioch, to visit that city, that she 
might hear him and converse with him. He cheerfully 
embraced the opportunity, and used it to the best advan- 
tage in unfolding to the mind of his illustrious hearer, with 
all the ability he possessed, the blessed truths of the Gos- 
pel of Christ. 

A few years after this event, it was the misfortune of Ori- 
gen to give his bishop another offence. This proved much 
more serious than the first. Being obliged to go to Athens 
to do some service for the Churches in Achaia, he stop- 
ped on his way, for a short time, at Csesarea, where, on his 
previous visit, he had expounded the Scriptures by re- 
quest of the bishop of that see. He was highly esteemed 
and greatly beloved by the bishops of this city and vicinity, 
and, on the occasion of his second visit, the bishops of 
Jerusalem and Caesarea united in ordaining him to the 
holy order of the priesthood. At the time of this event he 
was forty-five years of age. Demetrius was deeply offend- 
ed by this transaction, and stoutly condemned the ordina- 
tion. For when he was but a youth, Origen had, according 
to the ancient discipline of the Church, of his own free 

What was he invited to do ? By whom ? Of what irregular conduct 
was he guilty ? What effect had it on Demetrius ? What did he request ? 
Did Origen ohey % To whom did he preach before he returned ? Did he 
offend his bishop again ? Where ? In what way ? What did the bishops 
of Jerusalem and Csesarea do ? What was his age ? Why did Demetrius 
condemn this ordination ? 



140 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

will, disabled himself from being admitted to holy orders. 
This fact, known to his bishop, had been kept secret from 
all others. But when Origen, contrary to the custom of 
the Church and the will of his bishop, had received ordi- 
nation at the hands of foreign bishops, Demetrius censured 
the act with great severity ; and that his conduct in the 
matter might appear in its true light, he divulged the secret 
that Origen, in his youth, had made himself a eunuch, by 
which act he had deprived himself of the right to take 
orders, and yet he had, with a full understanding of the 
fact, and without his bishop's consent or knowledge, been 
ordained by foreign bishops. 

When Origen had performed his journey and executed 
his mission, he returned to Alexandria. Demetrius then 
assembled a council to consider his conduct. It was 
decreed that he must leave the city. Soon after this, his 
bishop called another council, to examine and decide upon 
some of his writings, which were believed by many to 
contain erroneous doctrines. The decision of this council 
was — His writings do contain errors in doctrine. He was 
accordingly deposed from the ministry, and expelled from 
the Church. After his sentence was pronounced, he left 
Alexandria and went again to Csesarea, where he was cor- 
dially received by the bishop of that city, and by others in 
that part of Asia. He was invited by them to expound 
the Scriptures, as he had been before. He complied, and 
his discourses were attended and listened to by multitudes. 
Some of his hearers were among the most learned men of 
the age. During the persecution under Maximin, he fled 



What secret did he reveal? Why? On Origen' s return, what course 
did Demetrius pursue ? What was the decision of the council ? What 
was done about his writings? What decision was pronounced on him? 
Where then did he ffo ? What did he do ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 141 

from Palestine and took refuge in the house of a friend. 
Here he was kept concealed for two years. In the house 
of this friend he found many valuable and rare books, from 
which he gathered and preserved much precious knowl- 
edge. "When the persecution ceased, he left the place of 
his retreat r and returned to Alexandria. There he con- 
tinued his studies with untiring patience and industry, and 
performed mental labors which appear almost beyond the 
strength of mortals. So capacious was his mind, so vast 
his amount of knowledge, so great his ability, that six 
amanuenses were employed in writing what he dictated. 
He is said to have been the author of six thousand differ- 
ent works. St. Jerome says he wrote more than another 
man could read. If so bad a spirit as envy or jealousy pre- 
vailed in the minds of any towards this great man, yet all 
were constrained to acknowledge that he possessed a won- 
derful amount of knowledge and a masterly genius. ISTor 
could any one deny that he did more to increase the power, 
influence, and glory of the Church, than, perhaps, any man 
after the Apostles. 

ISTear the close of his life, he wrote his celebrated reply 
to Celsus, the heathen philosopher, who, in the preceding 
century, wrote so bitterly and falsely against Christianity. 
This reply was a complete triumph over that profane cham- 
pion, and its fame is justly merited, from the great ability 
with which it is written. 

This remarkable man died at Tyre, about the middle of 
the third century, ripe in years and mature in the service 

Where did he go during the persecution under Maximin ? What did he 
find in the house of his friend ? What did he do after the persecution ? 
What did he do there ? To how many amanuenses could he dictate ? 
How many volumes did he write ? What must all confess ? What work 
did he write near the close of his life? What can you say of its success ? 
Where did he die ? When ? 



14:2 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

of bis divine Master. He is esteemed the greatest light of 
the age in which he lived. He had a mighty genius, un- 
tiring zeal, wonderful patience, and unwearied perseverance. 
All these powers were graced and hallowed by true and 
fervent piety. Yet, this illustrious Christian embraced and 
taught erroneous doctrines. In this respect, Origen is 
another example of the frailty of man, even in his greatest 
strength ; the weakness of his understanding, in its highest 
earthly perfection. He reminds the faithful, everywhere 
and always, of the truth uttered by the Psalmist — " It is 
better to trust in the Lord, than to put any confidence in 
man." Thus did the two brightest lights of the Church, in 
this century, wander into error ; the polished Tertullian, 
when he embraced the gross errors of Montanus, became 
the enemy of philosophy and learning ; while Origen, 
the ardent advocate of philosophy and learning, erred in 
speculations concerning the soul in the future state. 

How is he esteemed ? "What is said of his abilities ? What of his piety ? 
What of his errors ? What does this circumstance teach us ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 143 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

SEVENTH AND EIGHTH PERSECUTIONS. THE LAPSED. — 

CYPRIAN. — NOYATIANS. 

Alexander Seyerus, upon whose name historians have 
lavished all the expressions of praise and admiration they 
could command, came to a sudden and untimely death. 
While he was yet young, and successfully engaged in the 
arduous and dangerous duties of defending his country 
against foreign foes, he was slain by conspirators. His 
murderers were influenced to commit this bloody deed by 
the instigation of Maximin, a giant and brutal soldier. 
This man complained of his royal master because of the 
sobriety and strict discipline he introduced into his army. 
But he was not satisfied with having done this infamous 
crime. The noble and accomplished mother of the em- 
peror, Mammaea, of whom we have had occasion to speak, 
and whom Origen had the honor to address on the claims 
of Christianity, he also caused to be slain. This monster 
of cruelty then succeeded in having himself proclaimed 
emperor by the army. By these acts of wickedness and 
barbarity, he offended all Christians, who could have no 
affection for such a bloody monster. But this sympathy 



What was the end of Alexander Severus ? In what was he engaged 
■when he died ? By whom was he killed ? Who instigated his murderers ? 
Who was Maximin ? What faults did he find with Severus ? What other 
murder did he commit ? Who proclaimed him emperor? What opinion 
had Christians of him and his conduct ? 



14A PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

for their murdered monarch and his mother, and their 
loathing of the wretch who had done the deed, called 
down upon them the bitter resentment of Maximin. He 
poured out his fury upon them in a persecution extremely 
cruel. For the bishops, being the objects of peculiar hate, 
he reserved the most bitter part of his malice. Many 
Christians took the martyr's crown during the brief exercise 
of his unlawful authority. But he soon met a deserved 
fate, by which the Church was relieved from the sufferings 
of his tyranny. He had only borne the title of emperor 
among those whom he had induced to proclaim him, and 
that for a short time, when his soldiers conspired against 
him and slew him, in the year 237. Thus he perished, 
after holding the title of emperor for a few months, and 
before he had been generally acknowledged by the Roman 
jjeople. This is reckoned the seventh persecution. 

After his death, the Church again enjoyed a rest even 
more serene than before, for a space of fourteen years. 
The emperors that followed extended their favor and pro- 
tection to Christians, which enabled them to come forth 
once more and enjoy the sunshine of their prosperity. As 
birds which, having sought some secure place of refuge 
while the storm and the tempest prevailed, again with de- 
light spread their wings upon the breeze when the sun 
appears and the threatening clouds have passed away, and 
warble sweetly from every bower and tree-top, so was it 
with the faithful in Christ. They came forth again from 
those hiding-places to which they had fled for temporary 
shelter, while the storm of persecution lasted, and pro- 



How did Maximin treat them? How bishops? Did he reign long? 
Who conspired against him ? When did he fall ? Had he been acknowl- 
edged by the Bornan people ? What number was his persecution ? What 
occurred after his death ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 145 

claimed, with increased zeal and delight, the glad news of 
salvation. Philip, called the Arabian, is supposed, from 
the marks of favor he showed to Christians, to have 
been one at heart himself. If he was indeed such, the 
great honor is due him of being the first Roman monarch 
that embraced our holy faith. But he was conquered and 
slain in battle by his rival, Decius, in the year 249, after 
reigning five years. 

Decius became a most furious and deadly enemy to all 
Christians. There is no doubt that every means which the 
other enemies of the Church could use to influence him to 
act in this cruel manner, was employed. His persecution 
exceeded all others that had gone before, in its extreme 
severity. The laws which he made for destroying Chris- 
tians, he required to be enforced to their fullest extent. It 
was his determination to leave no means unemployed which 
might serve to utterly extinguish the Christian religion 
from the earth. He threatened to put his own officers to 
death if they did not execute the laws which he had made 
for this purpose. They were either to put every Christian 
to death, or make him deny his faith and forsake Christ. 
He instructed them to use every kind of torture, and bring 
them to a slow and lingering death, that the anguish of the 
torments might be so extreme as to force them to deny 
their Lord. This induced his agents to try their utmost 
skill in devising ways by which they might inflict the long- 
est and severest torments on the bodies of the faithful. 



What course did his successors pursue ? What illustration is given of 
the state of the Church? What is said of Philip, the Arabian ? When 
was he slain? What is said of Decius ? What is said of the severity of 
his persecution ? What is said of his laws ? What was his determination ? 
What did he do to his own officers? What were they required to do to 
Christians ? What is said of their tortures ? 

7 



146 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

Multitudes of Christians perished by lingering deaths, the 
circumstances of which are sufficient to make the feeling 
heart bleed. Great numbers, also, being tormented be- 
yond their powers of endurance, were forced to renounce 
the faith, deny their Lord, and sacrifice to idols. Diony- 
sius, bishop of Alexandria, deservedly called the Great, 
narrowly escaped death. An officer was sent to seize him, 
who made diligent search in the fields, the roads, along 
the banks of rivers, and in all places in the country where 
he thought the bishop might be concealed. But all this 
while he was in his own house, waiting the approach of 
his enemies. Here the officer did not think to look, sup- 
posing, of course, he had fled. When he had waited four 
days, expecting all the while the approach of the officer to 
arrest him, he was constrained by Providence to leave the 
city. His domestics and many of his brethren went with 
him. But a band of soldiers pursued and overtook him. 
They led him to a town on the borders of Egypt, and there 
confined him for the night, and guarded the house. But 
one of the bishop's household was not at home when he 
left the city, and on his return, finding the house guarded 
and its inmates gone, he was greatly distressed, and fled. 
As he was hastening away in his grief, a countryman met 
him, and inquired the cause of his sorrow and haste. He 
quickly told the man all the circumstances. This country- 
man was on his way to a marriage festival, and as soon as 
he arrived at the place where the wedding was to be, he 
told the guests what had happened to the venerable bishop 



How did Christians suffer ? Did any renounce the faith ? What is said 
of Dionysius the Great ? "What attempt was made to capture him ? 
Where was he? How long did he wait ? What did he then do ? What 
event next occurred ? What is said of one of his absent household ? 
What is said of the countryman ? Where was he bound ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 14:7 

of Alexandria and his friends. Upon hearing this news, 
the men who were assembled resolved at once to liberate 
him. They proceeded immediately to the house where he 
was guarded, and came suddenly upon the soldiers who 
were on guard, and raised such a shout that they were 
frightened and tied. When Dionysius heard the shout, he 
was in bed. At first he supposed they were beset by a 
band of robbers. But when he learned they were his 
friends, who had come to rescue him, he begged they would 
leave him to his fate, or in mercy shorten the work of the 
persecutors by cutting off his head. They then endeavored 
to carry him by force ; but he threw himself on the ground, 
refusing to be rescued from the power of his enemies. His 
liberators were therefore compelled to take him by his hands 
and his feet, and forcibly bear him away to a place of safety. 
Providentially for the welfare of the Church, the cruel 
persecutor Decius was suffered to live but a short time. 
He was emperor only two years. While engaged in war 
with the Goths, a large part of his army, with himself, were 
entangled in a morass, where the enemy poured upon him 
a shower of darts, by which he was killed, in the year 252. 
Upon his death, the fires of persecution grew dim, and the 
faithful in Christ, who had fled for refuge to solitary places, 
once more came forth from their retreats, and entered with 
new zeal on the defence and advancement of the kingdom 
of their Lord. This is called the eighth persecution. 
Among the celebrated martyrs that perished in it, Fabianus, 



What did the wedding guests resolve to do ? What did the soldiers do ? 
What did Dionysius believe had happened? What did he beg them to 
do ? What were his liberators compelled to do ? Did Decius live long ? 
By whom was he killed ? When ? Did the fires of persecution continue 
to burn ? What did Christians do ? What number is this persecution ? 
What distinguished martyrs suffered? 



148 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

bishop of Rome, and Alexander, bishop of Jerusalem, must 
be ranked the first. 

In one respect, this violent persecution resulted in a 
different way from any one that had occurred before it. 
It gave rise to a severe controversy among Christians. 
The practice of the Church was to require of those who, in 
time of persecution, had denied the faith, a long and severe 
penance, before they could be restored to the communion 
of the Church. In the case of this persecution, there were 
great numbers, who, according to this established disci- 
pline, must undergo this penance, otherwise they could not 
be restored. But many of them were extremely anxious 
to be restored to the communion of the Church, and were 
unwilling to suffer the penalty required. In order to re- 
gain, without delay, the place they had lost by renouncing 
Christ, some had obtained letters and certificates from the 
martyrs just before they died, witnessing that they believed 
them worthy to be restored to communion. These testi- 
monies were secured from the martyrs, because of the very 
high esteem in which their judgment was held, as well as 
their sincerity and piety. With many bishops and presby- 
ters, these letters were sufficient, when presented, to war- 
rant them in receiving without delay the one who presented 
them. But this privilege was abused. For many traitors 
and apostates had also obtained letters, who were utterly 
unworthy of them ; and they claimed the right to be re- 
stored on this testimony, as well as others. But St. Cyp- 
rian, bishop of Carthage, pursued a different course in the 
matter. This great prelate was educated a heathen, but 



What controversy arose ? "What did the Church require of the lapsed? 
Were there many of that class now ? Were they willing to submit to the 
penalty ? What course did they pursue to be restored,? Was this privi- 
lege abused? How ? Who was St. Cyprian? 



PEINCIPLES OF CHTJECH HISTOET. 149 

was at length converted to the Christian faith by CaBcilius, 
an eminent Christian. In time, he became bishop of Car- 
thage, in Africa, a very important see. Because he had 
abandoned the heathen, they cherished towards him the 
most bitter resentment. As soon, therefore, as the perse- 
cution under Decius began, they demanded of the officers 
that Cyprian should be thrown to the lions. "When the 
bishop became aware of his danger, he thought it best for 
the welfare of his clergy and people, and for the interests 
of the Church, that he should, for a time, withdraw himself 
from the public duty of his office, and secrete himself. He 
accordingly retired till the death of Decius. But, during 
the fourteen months of his seclusion, he was actively en- 
gaged in writing letters to his clergy and people, and to 
the Christians at Rome, in which he exhorted them to 
remain steadfast in the faith of Christ. When the perse- 
cution ceased, he returned to his people, and resumed his 
episcopal duties with his usual prudence and zeal. In the 
matter of restoring those who had forsaken the faith, he 
pursued a different course from that generally pursued, 
and he maintained it firmly and boldly. He admitted the 
high esteem that was due the judgment, sincerity, and 
piety of the blessed martyrs. But he maintained that the 
letters of confidence, which they had given to those who 
had denied the Lord, should not have the effect of too 
soon restoring them to the full privileges of the Church. 
It was properly considered a great crime to deny Christ, 
and offer incense to idols. It was thought that a severe 



By whom was lie converted ? Of what city did he become bishop ? How 
was he esteemed by the heathen ? Did they try to destroy him ? How 
did he escape them ? How long was he concealed ? What did he do in 
the mean time? When did he return ? What course did he pursue with 
the lapsed? What did he admit? How was the denial of Christ esteemed ? 



150 PKINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

penance was due those who had forsaken that blessed 
society for which Christ laid down his life ; that they could 
not reasonably expect a light punishment, or a speedy 
restoration. This decided and reasonable course, on the 
part of Cyprian, was warmly opposed by many of the con- 
fessors, presbyters, people, and those who wished to be 
restored. It gave rise to a severe controversy, but the 
prudence and wisdom of the bishop prevailed. The course 
pursued by Dionysius the Great, was the same as that of 
Cyprian. Yet, in cases where the penitents were in dan- 
ger of death, and they expressed an earnest wish to be 
restored, and absolved of their sins, the presbyters were 
authorized to grant their request, so that they might die 
in peace. A very touching circumstance of this kind 
occurred at Alexandria. Serapion, an aged Christian, had 
passed his life without reproach. But, during this terrible 
persecution, he had been forced by the torments inflicted 
upon him by his persecutors to offer sacrifice to their gods. 
He was afterwards greatly distressed on account of the 
awful sin he had committed. With the deepest sorrow, 
he often begged to be restored to the communion of the 
Church ; but no minister would listen to his entreaties. In 
this state of mind he was taken dangerously ill, and for 
three days remained speechless. On the fourth day, he 
revived sufficiently to speak. He then called to his grand- 
son, who was near, and said, " O son, how long do you 
detain me here ? Hasten, I beseech you, that I may be 
quickly absolved of my sin. Call one of the presbyters to 



What kind of penalty did such deserve ? What effect had Cyprian's 
opinion? What course did Dionysius pursue? What exceptions were 
made? Who was Serapion? Of what sin had he been guilty? Was he 
penitent for this crime ? Was his request granted? What happened to 
him at this time ? When he recovered the loss of speech, what did he do ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 151 

me." The boy ran to the presbyter. But it was night, and 
he was sick. He then told the circumstances to Dionysius, 
the bishop, who gave the boy a small portion of the 
eucharist, and told him to dip it in water, and place it in 
the mouth of the old man. When the boy returned, his 
grandfather again revived from the speechless state into 
which he had fallen, and said, " Thou hast come, my son, 
but the presbyter could not come. Perform, therefore, 
quickly, what he commanded thee, and let my spirit de- 
part." As soon as the boy had obeyed the order of the 
bishop, and the aged father had partaken of the eucharist, 
he expired. 

The difference of opinion in regard to restoring those to 
the communion who had denied the faith, did not trouble 
the diocese of Cyprian alone. It prevailed also at Rome, 
and produced sad results. But while the evil in Africa 
arose from a desire to treat the lapsed with too great 
lenity, at Rome the error turned the other way, and re- 
sulted in a desire to treat them with far too great severity. 
There were those in the Roman Church who believed that 
all who had denied their Lord, during the persecution, 
should be forever excluded from the communion of the 
Church. This party were led on by ISTovatian, a learned 
and eloquent presbyter. He was unwilling to have any 
one restored who had been committing any great sin. 
But the greatest number of presbyters were opposed to a 
course so extremely rigid, and of these, the most noted 



What success did the boy have ? What did Dionysius tell the boy to 
do ? When the boy returned, what did Serapion say ? What occurred 
after he had received the eucharist? What is further said of the lapsed? 
Where else was this subject a cause of trouble? What difference was 
there in the practice? Who was the leader of extreme measures? What 
is said of Novatian ? What was the judgment of the majority of presby- 
ters ? 



152 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

was Cornelius, a man held in the highest esteem for his 
many and noble qualities. He was in favor of pursuing a 
milder course towards his erring brethren. This difference 
excited great warmth of feeling, which was suffered to go 
beyond the bounds of Christian propriety. At the time of 
this excitement, it became necessary to elect another 
bishop for the Church of Rome, to fill the place of 
Fabianus, who had fallen a prey to the enemies of the 
Church, and received the crown of martyrdom. The 
friends of moderate measures chose Cornelius, on account 
of his many Christian virtues and eminent qualifications, to 
fill the office. As soon as he became a candidate, Nova- 
tian, who aspired to the same office, opposed him with all 
his powers. But he failed in his attempt, and Cornelius 
became bishop of Rome. When he saw that Cornelius 
was elected in spite of all his opposition, he refused to 
acknowledge him as his bishop, and separated himself from 
his jurisdiction. In order to gratify his resentment and 
ambition, he wickedly devised a plan, with the aid of other 
turbulent men, to obtain for himself episcopal consecration. 
Two of their number were sent to the lower extremity of 
Italy, to induce three bishops there to come to Rome, and 
ordain Novatian. These ambassadors solemnly told the 
three bishops to whom they were sent, that it was neces- 
sary for them to hasten to Rome, that they might, with 
other bishops, put a stop to the evil dissensions that pre- 
vailed there. The earnest and solemn professions of these 
agents induced the bishops, who suspected no deceit or 



"Who was Cornelius? What was the result of this difference? At the 
election for bishop of Eome, who was chosen? Who opposed Cornelius ? 
What course did Novatian then pursue? What did he manage to have 
done ? How did he get bishops to consecrate him? How were the three 
bishops deceived? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 153 

wicked design, to go speedily to Rome. When they 
arrived there, ISTovatian, with his accomplices, received 
them into a private conference. In this secret place they 
worked upon these unsuspecting and simple-minded bishops 
with all the artifice they could command, not neglecting 
the use of wine to overheat their brain. They succeeded, 
by these means, in obtaining of them, for Novatian, episco- 
pal ordination. But one of these bishops, when he discov- 
ered how he had been deceived, mourned over his error, 
and lamented the schism he had helped to make. This 
violent and unlawful course made it necessary for Corne- 
lius to assemble a council, to consider and act upon Nova- 
tian's conduct. At this council, ISTovatian was excommu- 
nicated, with all those who followed him in his error. He 
then became the leader of a new society, of which he was 
called the first bishop. This sect was not distinguished 
from the catholic body by any peculiarities of doctrine. 
Their faith was pure, but several of their opinions and 
practices were singular, extravagant, and vain. They 
firmly maintained that all persons, who were guilty of the 
commission of any great sin, should be cut off from the 
body of the faithful, and never again restored. They pro- 
nounced that Church unworthy the name of Christian, 
which would receive again into its bosom those Christians 
who had committed any great offences. Hence, had they 
lived in the days of the prophet David, or of the Apostles, 
with the same opinion, they would have excommunicated 
the king of Israel and St. Peter on account of their great 

What did Novatian do ? How did they blind the minds of these bishops ? 
Did either of these bishops afterwards regret his conduct? What course 
did Cornelius pursue ? What was the result of the council ? How did the 
Novatians differ from the Church ? What was their opinion of those who 
had committed great sins ? How would they have dealt with the prophet 
David and St. Peter ? 



154: PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

sins, if they had possessed sufficient power, and would 
never have consented to their restoration, though they 
should repent ever so deeply and heartily. These IsTova- 
tians professed to have a higher degree of sanctity than 
the Church, and they showed how vain they were of their 
piety by calling themselves " The Pure." They carried 
their vanity to such an extravagant degree, as to require 
all who came from the catholic body to be baptized again, 
before they would admit them into their sect. This socie- 
ty survived until the fifth century, when it met the fate of 
all sects ; it perished, because it was not a divine, but a 
human society. 



Of what were they boastful ? What did they call themselves? What 
did they require ? When did the sect end ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 155 



CHAPTER XIX. 

BAPTISMAL CONTROVERSY. — ZEPHYRLNTJS. — CALLISTUS. — 
ROME. 

The afflictions with which God visits His people make 
them more humble, more penitent for their sins, more 
holy, but they have never made them of one mind in all 
points. The most pitiless storm of persecution from the 
heathen has scarcely been permitted to subside into a calm, 
before the trumpet of controversial warfare has been 
sounded by some Christian champion. Such was the case 
after the Decian persecution. It began in the year 257, 
between the most eminent bishops of the Church. The 
subject of this controversy was the baptism of heretics. 
Previous to this time, there had been no uniform prac- 
tice established of receiving those into the Church who 
had renounced heresy. The practice in this respect was 
different in different places. Many of the Churches of 
Asia and Africa placed heretics in the class of catechu- 
mens, where they were instructed in the true doctrine, 
just as others who were candidates for baptism. When 
they were believed to be well prepared, they were bap- 
tized into the Church. But in Europe the practice was 

What effect Lave afflictions on God's people ? Do they make them of 
one mind ? What is said of controversial warfare ? What was the subject 
of controversy after the Decian persecution? "What difference of opinion 
existed about receiving those into the Church who had renounced heresy? 
What was the Eastern practice ? 



156 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

different. Most of the Churches there considered the 
baptism which Christian sects administered valid. In re- 
ceiving those who came from these sects into the Church, 
they used no other form than the right of Confirmation. 
This difference in practice, as it did not appear to be es- 
sential, caused no disturbance for a long time. But, now, 
the Eastern Churches established it as a law with them, 
by the decision of several councils, that those who had 
renounced heresy should invariably be received into the 
Church by baptism. When Stephen, who was at this 
time bishop of Rome, heard of their proceedings, he pur- 
sued a haughty, violent, and unchristian course towards 
them. His conduct was as rash and unwise as that of his 
predecessor, Victor, had been, relative to the time of ob- 
serving Easter. He broke fellowship with them, and ex- 
cluded them from communion with the Church of Rome. 

This imperious conduct gave Cyprian no alarm, though 
he approved the practice of the Churches in Asia. That 
the practice might be uniform in this matter among his 
own clergy, and their opinion made known, he assembled 
a council at Carthage. At this council the practice of the 
other African Churches, and those of Asia, w T as adopted. 
When this had been done, he sent word to Stephen, in- 
forming him of the result of the council held at Carthage. 
This gave great offence to Stephen, who, in the heat of his 
rash and impulsive nature, replied to Cyprian in a threat- 
ening manner. But his threats were of no avail, and were 
treated with the indifference they merited. The bishop of 



What the Western ? How did the Churches of Europe receive such con- 
verts? What act introduced the controversy? What course did Stephen 
pursue ? What effect had this conduct on St. Cyprian ? How did he 
make the practice uniform ? What practice did his council adopt? How 
did he offend Stephen ? What did Stephen do ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 157 

Carthage, after having answered them in a calm but de- 
cided manner, assembled another council, at which it was 
decreed that the baptism performed by heretics was void 
of all efficacy and entirely invalid. When this additional 
proceeding was made known to the bishop of Rome, he 
was inflamed beyond measure, and in the excitement of his 
passion and folly, he issued a decree of excommunication 
against all the bishops of Africa. This act of indiscretion 
on the part of Stephen only called forth from the bishops 
of Asia and Africa an expression of pity and contempt. 
It was received just as the act of the bishop of New York 
would be, should he presume, by his own authority, to ex- 
communicate any of his brother bishops from the Church 
in America. This unnecessary and unfortunate contro- 
versy was stopped by the death of Stephen, at Rome, and 
the desire of other bishops that every thing like bitterness 
and unkindly feeling should be banished from the hearts of 
brethren. The question was left unsettled, and the prac- 
tice continued as it had been before. From this conduct 
of the bishop of Rome, we learn that he was impressed 
with the idea, or wished to impress others with it, that his 
spiritual authority and dignity were superior to those of 
any other bishop. But there was no other prelate who was 
willing to admit this. They all gave to him a kind of tem- 
poral superiority, but by no means did they believe him to 
have any spiritual power which they had not. And this 
temporal superiority arose from the fact of his being bishop 
of Rome. At that time this was the most important city 

What did Cyprian then do? "With what effect? What decree did he 
issue ? Was it regarded by the African bishops ? What event put an end 
to this controversy ? Was the question settled ? What do we gather 
from this conduct ? What kind of superiority did he possess? Did he 
possess superior spiritual power? What circumstance caused his tempo- 
ral superiority ? 



158 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

in the world, for it was the imperial city, the metropolis of 
the Roman empire. As the bishop of the metropolis in 
each province had a kind of temporal superiority which the 
others had not, because he was the bishop of the most im- 
portant city, and was chosen to preside at the councils held 
in the metropolis ; so, doubtless, the bishop of Rome would 
have been chosen to preside at a general council, at that 
time, if one had been held in that city. This was all the 
distinction there was in the degree of eminence among the 
bishops of the Church. There was no spiritual authority 
or dignity in the possession of one bishop, to which the 
others were not equally entitled. This fact, in early Church 
history, is as clearly illustrated as any other, in the inde- 
pendent course pursued by each bishop in his own diocese, 
by which they showed they esteemed the spiritual power 
of all bishops equal, and that no one had any right to inter- 
fere in the government of another's diocese. The tempta- 
tion to indulge pride and arrogance beset the bishop of 
Rome with peculiar power. His see was the heart of the 
empire. Here the emperor lived. The throbbings of this 
centre of power sent a pulse to the extremities of the 
known world. It was the fountain of law and order to the 
political world. It is natural that its bishop should feel the 
importance of his position ; that his spiritual power should, 
in degree, compare with the emperor's temporal power ; 
that he should look upon all other bishops as his inferiors, 
and that he should expect from them an amount of defer- 
ence which they would pay to no other. The Church of 
Rome was distinguished for its good works, for its charities 



"What kind of superiority did Metropolitans have ? Were all bishops 
equal in spiritual power ? Had one bishop a right to interfere with anoth- 
er's diocese ? What temptation beset the bishop of Eorae ? What is said 
of the political power of Home ? 



PEINCIPLES OF CHUECH HISTORY. 159. 

to feeble Churches, for its missionary zeal, and for the con- 
trolling influence it exerted in the preservation of unity or 
the creation of discord in the Church at large. This 
Church, so prominent in good works, was also the fountain 
whence issued many bitter streams. Simon Magus, the 
father of the Gnostic heresy, found Rome the most fruitful 
field for the propagation of his errors. Here his most dis- 
tinguished followers flourished, and continued the work of 
evil so thoroughly begun by him. Here the ignorant 
fanatic Montanus erected the central power of his schism, 
jmd from thence scattered broadcast among the Western 
Churches the seeds of discord and division. Even Victor 
himself was not untainted with the same error. Nor was 
he the only bishop of Rome who, at this early day, was 
tainted with error.- Zephyrinus, the fourteenth in the 
order of succession of her bishops, was charged, and with 
good reason, of favoring dangerous error. He was an un- 
educated man, and became the willing dupe of Callistus, a 
favorite of mean extraction, a base flatterer, a defaulter, a 
disturber of the peace, for which offence he had been ban- 
ished, and the abettor of heresy. This instrument of evil 
Zephyrinus used to oppress the clergy, and, influenced by 
him, he acted the part of a dissembler. While he pre- 
tended to regard the counsel of Hippolitus, who was at 
this time the great champion of orthodoxy at Rome, he 
secretly favored the error of ISToetus. He ruled the Church 
with extreme laxity, and the tide of worldly corruption, 
meeting with so slight resistance, flowed in abundantly. 



For what was the Church of Eome distinguished? Was it a fountain of 
evil ? What heretic found Eome a most fruitful field ? "What other errors 
here found a fruitful soil? What Eoman bishops were guilty of error? 
What is said of Zephyrinus ? Who was Callistus ? Of whom was he the 
tool ? What error did Zephyrinus favor ? How did he rule ? 



160 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

Upon his death, his favorite, Callistus, succeeded to his 
place and to his imperfections. He was not only guilty of 
favoring error kindred to that of JSToetus, but he assumed 
a degree of power such as no bishoj^ before him had ever 
pretended to possess. There was no sin, however aggra- 
vated, which he did not claim power to remit. He said 
that no bishop could commit so great a sin that his peers 
would be justified in deposing him. He held the reins of 
discipline so lightly, that the guilty had little cause to fear 
being disturbed in their indulgence in scandalous sin. 
These, and other errors of Callistus, were rebuked in vain 
by Hippolytus. He received no satisfaction for his labor 
in endeavoring to cleanse the Church of its impurities. 

The prominence of the Roman see made it an object of 
constant and careful observation. From this fact we are 
enabled to mark the dawn of that arrogant claim to su- 
preme spiritual power put forth by its bishops, which, in 
later ages, grew into such monstrous proportions. The 
first step towards it was taken by Victor, in the year 196, 
upon the disputed question relative to the time of keeping 
Easter. But he was rebuked by St. Irenseus, and the ques- 
tion remained unsettled until the Council of Nice. Ste- 
phen, as we have seen in the baptismal controversy, followed 
the example of Victor, and with like success. This, too, 
remained an open question until settled by the same gen- 
eral council. 



"Who succeeded him as bishop ? What is said of the government of 
Callistus? Did the guilty fear him ? Who rebuked him ? What is said 
of the prominence of this see? Can we trace the rise of Papal ^ower? 
Who took the first step towards it ? When ? Who rebuked him ? When 
was the Easter question settled ? What prelate followed his example ? 
On what question ? When was it settled ? 



PKINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 161 



CHAPTER XX. 

BAPTISM. TERTULLIA1S'. ELXAITES. 

About the middle of this century an important decision 
was made by a council held at Carthage, of which Cyprian 
was the presiding bishop. The decision is important to 
the Church in our day, although it was not deemed of 
much importance at the time it was made. One of the 
country bishops of Africa had impressed his mind with an 
opinion that infants should be baptized into the Church of 
Christ at precisely the same age they were circumcised 
into the Jewish Church. He wrote to Cyprian to know 
whether he considered the opinion correct. At the time 
this letter was received, a council of bishops was in 
session at Carthage. They numbered sixty-six, besides 
Cyprian. He presented the question to the Council for 
their decision. Their decision was unanimous, that infants 
might be baptized as well before as on the eighth day ; and 
in case of dangerous illness they must be baptized before, 
or the soul's health of the child would be endangered. 
This decision is important for the information of some Chris- 
tians in the latter part of the nineteenth century. The 
only question submitted for the consideration of any coun- 
cil of the Church, up to the middle of the third century, 



What happened at Carthage about the middle of the third century ? 
What question troubled the mind of a country bishop ? How many bish- 
ops were assembled? What was the decision of the council? What if 
the child was not baptized ? Why is this decision important ? 



162 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

respecting the baptism of infants, was whether they should 
be baptized on the eighth day, or earlier. It may gratify 
the reader to have some additional information upon this 
subject, an abundance of which could be given. 

Origen, that great light of the Church, who began his 
illustrious career in the latter part of the second century, 
speaking of the natural corruption of the human heart, 
says — " The Church had from the Apostles the tradition 
to give baptism to young children. For they, to whom 
the divine mysteries were committed, know that there is 
in all persons the natural pollutions of sin, which must be 
done away by water and the Spirit." In another place, he 
adds — " Since the baptism of the Church is given for the 
remission of sins, it may be learnt why, according to the 
usage of the Church, it is likewise given to little children ; 
whereas, if there was nothing in little children that needed 
remission and mercy, the grace of baptism would be useless 
to them." " And for that reason infants are baptized, be- 
cause, by the sacrament of baptism, the pollutions of our 
birth are taken away." Justin Martyr, whose history is 
fresh and fragrant in the memory of the reader, and who 
wrote about forty years after the death of St. John, says — 
" There are many persons among us, of both sexes, of sixty 
and seventy years of ago, who were made Christians from 
their childhood." 

Hermas, a celebrated Christian writer of the first century, 
says — " The seal of the Son of God is necessary for every 
one to enter into the kingdom of heaven ; and that seal is 
baptism." 

What was the first question submitted to the council on infant baptism ? 
What does Oi'igen say on this subject ? For what purpose is baptism given 
by the Church? Is there pollution of sin in children to be removed? 

What is the instrument of removing it ? What is the testimony of Justin 

Martyr? Of Hermas? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 163 

Even Pelagius, celebrated in a later age for his heresy, 
declares — " He never heard even of an impious heretic that 
would deny baptism to little children." When we consider, 
in connection with this positive testimony, that no Chris- 
tian writer for the first thousand years of the Christian era 
ever denied the fact that it had been the practice, from the 
beginning, to receive children into the Church by baptism, 
the case must strike the unprejudiced mind as one that 
admits of no reasonable doubt. 

There is good reason to believe that the mode of bap- 
tism generally practised in the primitive ages of the Church, 
was immersion. There is also good reason to believe that 
this was not the exclusive mode. In exceptional cases, at 
least, persons were baptized by other modes. 

In the beginning, this sacrament was administered to 
converts and their households, at their homes or at their 
places of public worship, by the bishop, presbyter, or dea- 
con under whose ministry they were converted. They 
were generally baptized in fonts. When, however, the 
Church became well established, and was governed by a 
system of fixed laws, and each see or diocese had its own 
bishop, then the right to baptize was confined to the 
bishop. When necessity demanded, he appointed presby- 
ters to administer it for him, and in the rite of Confirmation 
he confirmed their act. At first there was no fixed time 
set apart for its administration ; but, in process of time, 
two days in a year were set apart for this purpose ; these 
were the festivals of Easter and Whitsunday. When the 
candidates had confessed and renounced their sins, and 



Of Pelagius ? "What else is to be considered in this connection ? What 
was probably the general mode ? Was this the only mode ? To whom 
was this sacrament administered ? By whom ? Who were appointed to 
baptize ? What is said of the time set apart for baptism ? 



164: PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

publicly professed their faith in the doctrines contained in 
the Apostles' Creed, they were baptized. After baptism, 
they were signed with the sign of the cross, then anointed 
and confirmed. Milk and honey were then given them. 
Just before the sacrament was administered, adults gave 
themselves to fasting and prayer, that their bodies might 
become fit temples for the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit. 
In the third century an additional ceremony found its way 
into the baptismal service ; this was exorcism, or the act of 
expelling the evil spirit from man. The impression that 
all unregenerate men were under the influence of an evil 
spirit, gave rise to this ceremony. The exorcist professed 
to have power to expel this demon by means of his impre- 
cations, shouts, and harangues. After the exorcist had per- 
formed his work, the candidate was deemed fit to receive 
the sacrament. At a still later period, it was customary to 
cast salt in the mouth of the one to be baptized, to symbol- 
ize purity. This practice was by no means general ; it was 
only practised in certain places. There were other unneces- 
sary and idle ceremonies, from time to-time, made to attend 
on this sacrament, which are not worthy of consideration. 

This essential doctrine did not escape the impious assaults 
of the trifler, or the abuse of great and erratic minds. 
Tertullian, who abandoned the catholic body to become 
an associate of the fanatic Montanus, took ground on this 
subject against the practice of the Church. He taught 
that in the case of children, unmarried persons, virgins that 
have arrived at mature age, and those who had lost their 

"What was required of the candidate before baptism ? What took place 
immediately after ? How did the candidate prepare ? What additional 
ceremony found its way into the service ? What gave rise to it ? In what 
did it consist ? What was put in the mouth of the candidate ? Was this 
practice general ? What is said of other ceremonies ? For what purpose 
did Tertullian abandon the Church ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 165 

consort, baptism should be postponed until they had so 
completely triumphed over the temptations of the flesh, as 
to be out of reach of danger. He would have all classes 
wait for baptism till just before death, then wash away, in 
its waters, all their sins. 

The Elxaites, a sect that flourished in the latter par* of 
the second century and former part of the third, were 
arrant triflers with this blessed sacrament. They taught 
that baptism might be often repeated to the same person, 
and as often as repeated, all his sins, of whatever kind or 
degree, would be washed away. To those persons whose 
consciences were disturbed on account of sin, they offered 
baptism as an immediate and infallible remedy. They bap- 
tized by immersion, " in the name of the Most High, and 
of His Son the Great King, and with invocation of the 
seven witnesses, sky and water, and holy spirits, and prayer 
angels, and oil, and salt, and earth." The Church required 
of the adult candidate a long course of catechetical train- 
ing, with penitence, fasting, and prayer, as a preparation 
for the sacrament ; the Elxaites took him as he was, and 
admitted him directly to baptism. The Church required 
them to cast off their common garments, and clothe them- 
selves in new ; this sect baptized them in their old garments. 
For sins committed after baptism, the Church required se- 
vere, and often long, penitence ; they received the sinner 
direct at the font, and in its waters, without delay, washed 
away the whole burden of sins. In other respects this 
heretical sect blended in their religious system the errors 
of the Judaizers with those of the Gnostics. 

What singular notions had he about baptism ? Who were the Elxaites ? 
What were their notions of baptism? What mode did they use ? Into 
what names did they baptize ? What did the Church require of the adult 
candidate ? What difference was there between the practice of this sect 
and the Church ? The errors of what two sects were blended in this sect ? 



166 PRINCIPLES OF CHUKCH HISTORY. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

SUCCESSORS OF DECIUS. — NINTH PERSECUTION. — DISTIN- 
GUISHED CHRISTIAN WRITERS. — PORPHYRY. 

Upon the death of Decius, his first three successors 
revived afresh the flames of persecution. The sufferings 
of Christians at tbis time were rendered much more severe, 
in consequence of a dreadful pestilence, which scourged 
the land, and spread dismay and death through many 
provinces of the empire. A great number of Christians 
perished with the heathen multitude in these general 
calamities. But what was still more grievous, their ene- 
mies charged them with being the cause of these fierce and 
dreadful judgments. The pagan priests made the people 
believe that the gods were offended because they treated 
Christians with so little severity, and that they had sent 
these calamities upon them as a punishment for their 
neglect to destroy the enemies of their gods. In this 
manner, these artful enemies of Christians inflamed the 
minds of the ignorant with fear and hatred, so that they 
eagerly embraced the license, which the cruel emperors 
gave them, to torment and destroy the faithful in Christ. 
But these three tyrants were allowed only a short time 
to destroy the just and good. For the length of time 



What is said of the successors of Decius ? What added to the sufferings 
of Christians? What charge did the heathen make ? How did the hea- 
then priests deceive the people ? What was the result of this deception ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 167 

that each reigned did not exceed a few months, and, all 
combined, they ruled only about one year. What seemed 
a just judgment upon them, they all suffered violent 
deaths, being murdered by their own soldiers. But a 
grateful change came to the Church after the death of 
these cruel rulers. Then Valerian, ascending the throne, 
put a stop to the persecution in the year 254. This was 
indeed a most grateful change to the sheep of the fold. 
They had suffered intensely, for several years, from foes 
without and foes within ; and, like the weary sailor, who, 
having toiled upon the troubled deep for many long and 
dreary hours, hails with delight the return of peace to the 
raging sea, so they rejoiced to see the tempest of persecu- 
tion pass by, and give place to the sunny reign of peace. 
No emperor had reigned before who showed so decided 
favor to Christians. He extended to them especial marks 
of civility and friendship, and his household was chiefly 
composed of Christians. But, alas ! this quiet was of short 
duration. Valerian's mildness and favor were soon ex- 
changed for severity and oppression. This change was 
effected through the influence of his chief counsellor Mar- 
cianus. This man was a bigoted pagan, and most bitter 
enemy to Christianity. He used his influence with the 
emperor in undermining that good-will he had towards 
Christians, and succeeded in converting him from a friend 
to an enemy. He induced him to pass several laws against 
them. By the first of these laws, the bishops were sent 
into banishment, and the rest of the clergy and laity were 

How long were these three tyrants permitted to vex the Church? What 
was their end? Who stopped the persecution? When? What illustration is 
given of their sufferings and deliverance ? What is said of Valerian's fa- 
vor? What change took place in Valerian? By what means was this 
change effected? Who was Marcianus ? What did he induce the emperor 
to do ? What edicts were passed against Christians? 



168 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

forbidden to assemble for worship. Soon after this law 
had been put in execution, another, still more severe, was 
passed. In the execution of this second edict, many 
Christians were put to death, and some of them suffered in 
the most cruel manner. Among the illustrious Christians 
who fell a prey, at this time, to heathen rage, was the 
noble Cyprian. When the first edict was published, he 
was banished, from Carthage. He remained in this state 
nearly one year, and employed himself in writing to his 
clergy and people, exhorting them to stand fast to their 
holy integrity. But when the second edict was passed, he 
was recalled from banishment. On his return to Carthage, 
he learned that an order had been issued for his arrest. 
This gave him no alarm, but was rather a source of pleas- 
ure. For he earnestly desired to lay down his life as a 
martyr, in the presence of his people, to set them an 
example worthy of imitation. As soon, therefore, as he 
felt satisfied that his enemies would not come and arrest 
him among his people, he boldly offered himself for the 
sacrifice. When taken before the heathen judge, he was 
required to obey the law of Valerian, and offer sacrifice to 
the gods. This he firmly refused to do. The judge then 
sentenced him to be beheaded. He submitted to his fate 
with holy fortitude and cheerfulness. Stephen and Sixtus, 
bishops of Rome, also suffered martyrdom in this persecu- 
tion. As many as five bishops of Rome received the 
crown of martyrdom in the space of eight years. From 
the great number of the poor that were fed. from the 



What illustrious martyr suffered? How did they proceed against him? 
How did he conduct under his trials ? Did he try to avoid them? What 
did the heathen judge require of him? What death did he suffer? What 
other distinguished bishops suffered ? How many suffered in eight years of 
the bishops of Koine ? How were the poor of the Church cared for ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 169 

offerings of the faithful, the enemies of the Church sus- 
pected that large deposits of treasures were placed in the 
hands of the ministry. Laurentius, a deacon of the Church 
of Rome, was brought before the heathen tribunal, and 
examined relative to this matter. He confessed the fact 
that the Church had treasures, and, if they would grant 
him one day, he promised he would produce them. The 
judge awaited the morrow with high hopes of being made 
rich. But, how greatly was he disappointed and incensed, 
when he saw before him, on the following day, a crowd of 
poor people, presented by Laurentius as the Church's 
treasures. This was considered by the judge a most 
serious offence, for which he was broiled to death over a 
slow fire. The memory of this martyr was held in the 
highest veneration. Dionysius the Great was banished. 
This is called the ninth persecution, and ended with the 
fall of Valerian. He came to a yet more wretched end 
than his predecessors. While engaged in a war with the 
Persians, he was conquered and taken prisoner, in the year 
259. They treated him with a degree of cruelty scarcely 
equalled in the history of barbarism. For several years 
they compelled him to bow down and serve as a horse- 
block for the Persian king, who placed his feet upon him 
when he had occasion to mount his horse. At last they 
flayed him alive, and taking his skin, they stuffed it in the 
form of a human being, then dyed it in scarlet, and placed 
it in a Persian temple. Such was the dreadful end of this 
persecutor. 

In the year 260, Gallianus, the successor of Valerian, 

What did the enemies of the Church infer from this ? Give an account 
of Laurentius. How was this received ? What cruel death did he suffer? 
What was done to Dionysius the Great ? What is this persecution ? What 
wretched fate befell Valerian? When did it occur? When was peace 
again restored to the Church ? By whom ? 



170 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

restored peace to the Church; and, for about fourteen 
years, Christians enjoyed their restored tranquillity with 
little disturbance from their enemies. The false charges 
made against them by the heathen, and the dreadful con- 
sequences which resulted in the wholesale murder of the 
innocent, called forth many able writers in defence of the 
Gospel. These Apologies were often followed by the 
most happy results. But they were not effectual in pre- 
venting the recurrence of persecution. In His w 7 ise prov- 
idence, the Head of the Church still permitted the heathen 
to spend their fury upon it ; and thus, in early time, He 
proved the truth of His promise, that " the gates of hell 
should not prevail against it." In the year 275, this reign 
of peace appeared to be approaching a sudden and dread- 
ful termination. The minds of the people were aroused by 
the fearful probability that they were on the eve of an- 
other fiery trial. The emperor Aurelian, in the fifth year 
of his reign, changed his mild course of treatment towards 
Christians, and resolved to attempt the utter destruction 
of the Church. He was probably influenced to make this 
barbarous attempt through the hatred which he cherished 
in his own mind towards the religion of Christ. But if his 
own wicked heart lacked the proper degree of barbarity 
for the work, the influence of heathen writers, and other 
enemies of Christ, supplied the deficiency. He prepared 
laws of extreme severity against Christians, which, if they 
had been executed, would have proved fatal to multitudes. 
But before these barbarous edicts were published or put in 

How long did it last ? What did the false charges of the heathen call 
forth? What effect did these Apologies often produce? What did the 
Head of the Church still permit? What did He prove by this means ? 
What took place in 275? Who was the emperor at this time ? What did 
he attempt? What course did he pursue? What would have been the 
consequences if hi3 laws had taken effect ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 171 

force, the emperor was summoned to his account. After 
he had conquered Zenobia, the beautiful " Queen of the 
East," and had brought her in triumph to Rome, he re- 
solved upon humbling the pride of Persia. "With this 
intention, he was marching eastward with his army, when 
he was murdered by his soldiers. Thus was the Church 
providentially preserved from the violent hands of its 
intended destroyer. After this alarm, Christians suffered 
but little interruption of their peace from persecutors till 
the close of the century. This was the longest quiet the 
faithful had yet enjoyed. In the mean while, the Church 
was making progress, — not only at home, but abroad, — in 
regions where Christians had never before found their 
way. The most violent persecutions did not prevent mis- 
sionaries from penetrating the dark abodes of pagan error, 
where a ray of holy light had never found its way. Their 
sentiment was like that of St. Paul when taking leave of 
the beloved elders at Ephesus: "None of these things 
move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that 
I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which 
I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel 
of the grace of God." These noble heralds labored at 
Paris, at Tours, at Aries, and other places in Gaul, and 
established Churches. About the same time, other faithful 
servants of Christ went into parts of Germany where the 
Gospel had not been preached, and established Churches at 
Cologne, Treves, and Mentz. In the latter part of this 
century, we are told by Scottish writers, Christianity was 



How was this calamity prevented? What military achievements did he 
perform ? How did he die ? How long a peace followed ? Did persecu- 
tion prevent missionary work ? What spirit actuated St. Paul? Where 
did they labor? At what places in Germany were Churches established? 
When was the Church established in Scotland ? 



172 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

established in their land. Who can fail to admire that 
apostolic missionary spirit, which, in this early age, had 
resulted in proclaiming the glad news of salvation, through 
a crucified Redeemer, to so many nations, tribes, and 
people? But able and zealous champions of the' cross 
were not alone found in the missionary field. While the 
heathen were venting their rage upon the faithful, the 
doctrines of Christ were ably defended against the assaults 
of its enemies by many powerful and convincing writers. 
Among these, after Origen, St. Cyprian was the most 
eminent of the Latins. He wrote with success against 
Jews and heathen. As a writer on Christian morals, he is 
ranked next to Tertullian. The greatest beauty of his 
writings was the tone of sincere piety that glowed through 
them all, and impressed the heart of the Christian reader 
with a lively regard for the pure and holy character of the 
author. 

Another writer of immortal fame, was Dionysius the 
Great. His fervent piety, his noble deportment in the 
midst of danger, his patience under persecution, his labors 
of love in promoting union and true brotherly regard 
among Christians, his kind and gentle spirit, his superior 
wisdom and extensive learning, and his many and valuable 
writings, have deservedly given him the name of TJie 
Great. 

Gregory, bishop of New Csesarea, was also a writer who 
did great honor to the holy faith. He was called The 
Wonder-worker, on account of the many and great won- 



In what other way, at this time, did the faithful propagate the Gospel ? 
What other great Christian writer is mentioned after Origen ? On what 
subjects did lie write ? What was the great beauty of his writings ? What 
other writer is named? What won for him the name of Great? What is 
said of Gregory, bishop of New Csesarea ? Why called the Wonder-worker ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 173 

ders he performed. He was at first a heathen; but, by 
the instruction of Origen, he was converted to Christianity. 
His success in the service of his Lord was so remarkable, 
that he is said to have left but seventeen heathen in his 
diocese at the time of his death, where he had found but 
seventeen Christians when he became bishop. 

These, and other able writers, proved the purity of the 
doctrines of Christ, and the innocence of the lives of Chris- 
tians. They showed, in their writings, that they were 
bound, by the most solemn obligations, to obey their tem- 
poral rulers in all things lawful in the sight of God. They 
appealed to their conduct, as proof that they were obe- 
dient, dutiful, and quiet citizens. They exposed the dis- 
honesty and inhumanity practised towards them by their 
enemies, and showed how great sufferings they were com- 
pelled to undergo in consequence of the false charges made 
against them. Nor did they stop with merely a defence of 
the faith and practice of Christians. They boldly, and 
with great success, attacked the religion of the heathen, 
and exposed the folly of worshipping dumb idols, that 
could neither speak, hear, nor see. They showed how 
vain it is to trust to creatures made with hands for protec- 
tion, deliverance, and salvation. They presented the one, 
true, and living God, as the only object worthy of their 
adoration ; as the only Being in whom they could, with 
safety, put their trust. They presented Christ Jesus, our 
Saviour, as the Being after whom their souls longed; as 
the one all- sufficient sacrifice, through whose merits they 



What is said of his success as a Christian laborer? What did these 
writers prove? To what did they appeal? What wickedness did they 
expose ? Did they confine themselves to a defence of Christianity ? What 
did they expose ? What did they present as the only object worthy of 
adoration ? How did they present Jesus Christ ? 



174: PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

could alone obtain favor with God, and the possession of 
unfading joys beyond the grave. Their arguments were 
offered in the most attractive manner, to impress and influ- 
ence the minds of the heathen. In some instances, per- 
haps, they erred, in using some of the tricks in arguments 
to which their adversaries continually resorted. If, at any 
time, they resorted to those modes of argument which the 
candid reasoner would condemn as unfair, they probably 
felt justified in defeating their adversaries with their own 
weapons. But the heathen weapons of falsehood and slan- 
der they despised, while their holy profession and inclina- 
tion would not allow them to resort to such base means. 
These noble defenders had need, at this time, to use all 
their ability in sustaining the cause of truth. For heathen 
writers resorted to every artifice their schools had invent- 
ed, to destroy Christianity. They entered upon the con- 
flict with the most deadly weapons they could command, 
determined, by cut or thrust, to destroy the system they 
so bitterly hated. The most distinguished of these heathen 
champions was Porphyry. In his youth he had been a 
pupil of Origen. Bat he became one of the most virulent 
and powerful adversaries of Christianity the heathen world 
has produced. Before he distinguished himself as a writer, 
he was on the eve of committing suicide, but was restrained 
from this act of self-murder by the influence of a friend. 
In his attack on Christianity, he did not hesitate to use the 
grossest slanders and vilest falsehoods he could invent or 
hear. He gathered from the sacred Scriptures every thing 



In what manner did they argue ? "What base instruments of the hea- 
then did Christians despise ? Why was there need of great ability on the 
part of the defenders of the faith at this time % What great heathen cham- 
pion appeared at this time ? What is his history ? Did he deal fairly in his 
controversy with Christianity. 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 175 

he could find that appeared to him like a contradiction, and 
all that seemed in his eye to be gross and absurd, then pro- 
fanely set off the whole in those false lights and shades of 
which he was master. He attempted, also, to rob Christ 
of that superior glory which adorned His life and human 
character, and which raised it so far above the brightest 
character of sinful man. He compared Christ, in His life 
and wonderful acts, with certain renowned heathen philos- 
ophers ; and so dimmed the glory of the one, and bright- 
ened the dulness and deformity of the others, as to make 
them equal in perfection. With the same profaneness and 
absurdity, he assailed the writings of the holy prophets. 
He declared that the prophecies of Daniel were not writ- 
ten till after the events took place which they so particu- 
larly describe. The result of his effort was, that a few 
Christians, who were not thoroughly grounded in the faith, 
forsook Christ ; some who were about to become Chris- 
tians, were persuaded to remain heathen ; others were so 
far deceived, that they mixed together, in strange med- 
ley, the Christian and heathen systems of religion, and 
worshipped both Christ and pagan deities. But all the 
fame Porphyry obtained for this masterpiece of slander 
and falsehood bestowed upon the Church, was a mon- 
ument of infamy, which will last while history conveys to 
man the great and wicked acts of those who have gone 
before. His attempt to ruin the Church was as futile as 
the power of the arrow hurled against a rock of ada- 
mant. 

Did he attack the character of the Divine Saviour ? What profane com- 
parison did he make ? How did he treat the prophets ? What was the re- 
sult of his effort ? What kind of fame did Porphyry secure ? What effect 
had his effort on the Church ? 



176 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

HERMITS. — PAUL. CATACOMBS. NEW OEDEES. — HIEEA- 

CITES. DIONYSIUS. 

The Decian persecution drove multitudes from their 
homes into unfrequented hiding-places. These were mostly 
laymen, who sought safety in retreat to deserts and other 
solitary places. The idea of Church life is that of intimate 
sociability. There is an affinity in the hearts of the faith- 
ful that mutually attracts each other. There is an agree- 
ment among them upon the most sacred principles of which 
God has ever allowed man to form a conception. So, like- 
wise, does necessity draw Christians together, to enjoy the 
ministrations of the Church, the common prayer, the 
preached word, the sacraments. But these Christian fugi- 
tives found in their solitude a kind of melancholy pleasure ; 
they became habituated to a solitary mode of life, and 
when the storm of persecution had passed over, mingling 
no small degree of fanaticism with their pious resolution, 
multitudes remained in their solitary exile. In sacrificing 
the ministrations of the Church, they satisfied their con- ' 
sciences by pleading that God was as truly with them in 
their solitude, as when mingling in the society of Chris- 

What effect had the Decian persecution ? "What order of Christians 
were they? What is said of the affinity of Christians ? What necessity 
draws Christians together ? What pleasure did these solitary Christians 
find ? Did they remain in solitude after' the persecution had passed ? 
How did they satisfy their consciences in the loss of Church privileges ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 177 

tians, and if they offered Him the spiritual service of true 
and faithful hearts, the sacraments could be safely dis- 
pensed with. This was a strong current setting against 
social Christian life. This class of solitary Christians were 
called Hermits. Paul has the credit of being the father of 
the order. To escape the reach of persecution, and to 
gratify the gloomy inclinations of his mind, he left the 
abodes of men, and sacrificed the pleasures and advantages 
of social life. He retired into deep solitudes, far from any 
human habitation, and there gave himself up to his selfish 
and gloomy meditations. In this state he lived, more like 
a rude savage than a human being, until he was a hundred 
and thirteen years old. Many thought he showed, by this 
conduct, a wonderful degree of piety and religious virtue, 
and he received great praise for the sacrifice he made to 
secure the sanctification of his heart and life. His example 
was contagious, and the praise bestowed upon the hermit 
did not make him any the less enthusiastic for a solitary 
life. But it would not be presuming much on the good 
sense of the reader, to believe he prefers that mighty trial 
life, so active in good works, led by the Apostle St. Paul, 
before that of Paul the hermit. 

While African Christians fled to the solitude of the 
desert to escape the persecutor's hand, the Roman Chris- 
tians had a nearer and more solemn hiding-place. The 
Catacombs afforded them a place of refuge. These man- 
sions of the dead are a vast net-work of subterranean 
vaults, extending beneath and around the ancient metropo- 

What was this class of Christians called ? "Who was the father of her- 
mits ? Give an account of Paul. How did he live in his solitude ? What 
was the opinion of many in regard to his course ? How lang did he live 
in this state ? What effect had his example ? Which life is more in ac- 
cordance with the Gospel, St. Paul's or Paul the hermit's ? Where did the 
Roman Christians flee in times of persecution ? What are the Catacombs ? 



178 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

lis of the world. In their silent and steady growth, they 
were a type of the early Christian Church, which, in less 
than three centuries, undermined and overthrew its mighty 
system of superstition and error. Here was laid to rest 
all that was mortal of that " noble army of martyrs," the 
soldiers of the cross who fell bleeding at Rome through 
nine bitter persecutions. Everywhere, in this city of the 
dead, early Christian art is visible, and the inscription 
abounds, so expressive of pure and simple faith, he rests 
" in peace." The remains of some of the dead, who have 
reposed here for sixteen hundred years, are still visible. 
Hither, in times of persecution, the Roman Christian fled. 
Presbyters, with their catechumens, when hunted from the 
face of the earth, fled here, and in these dark and solemn 
retreats, gave them instruction and council. Here bands 
of the faithful would sometimes be discovered by their ene- 
mies, and destroyed while engaged in religious services. 
Stephen is said to have been seized in this place while thus 
engaged, and hurried away to a martyr's death. Sixtus II., 
his successor, was butchered at the foot of one of the 
Christian altars erected here. These circumstances have 
rendered the study of the Catacombs a subject of exciting 
and deep interest. The long reign of peace that succeeded 
the ninth persecution, was fruitful of evil within the 
Church. As the fear of persecution diminished, and the 
reproach that attached to all who bore the Christian name 
began to give place to respect and esteem, then wicked 
and profane persons came more plentifully into the Church, 



Of what were they the type ? How ? Who were buried there ? What 
is visible everywhere in the Catacombs ? What inscription abounds ? 
What is still visible 'i Who were hunted here ? Who was seized here ? 
What is said of Sixtus II. ? What evils resulted from the long reign of 
peace ? How can you account for this ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 179 

and brought with them their evil influence. The power of 
the tempter was also more successfully exerted over human 
frailty. Christians were more off their guard. Many of 
the clergy allowed a vain ambition to spring up in their 
hearts, and produce its evil fruits. This spirit we have 
already seen at w T ork in the conduct of Victor and Stephen. 
But even among the blessed Apostles there was manifest 
the same unholy ambition. St. Luke records the fact that 
" there was a strife among them, who should be the great- 
est." And from him we learn how firmly the Head of the 
Church rebuked this unholy spirit. But at the time of 
which we write, this evil principle prevailed to a much 
greater extent than ever before in the Church. Some 
bishops assumed a greater degree of power than of right 
belonged to them, and encroached upon the rights of their 
brethren. Some indulged in pomps and vanities, and made 
a princely display of their official station and authority. 
This pride of station among bishops induced many of their 
presbyters and deacons to follow their example. In this man- 
ner the influence of a vain ambition was spread abroad 
like a vile contagion, affecting many in holy orders with 
its baneful influence. This spirit of pride was largely con- 
cerned in producing several inferior orders in the service of 
the Church. These were the sub-deacons, attendants, 
doorkeepers, readers, exorcists, and copiatoe. It was made 
the duty of the sub-deacons to relieve the deacons of the 
inferior part of their service. They prepared the vessels of 
the altar, and delivered them to the deacons in the time of 



Did ambition affect the clergy ? Was the same spirit manifest among 
the Apostles ? What does St. Luke say ? Had this spirit of ambition in- 
creased ? What is said of the conduct of some bishops ? What effect had 
this conduct on others ? What inferior orders were created ? What was 
the duty of sub-deacons ? 



180 PRINCIPLES OF CHUECH HISTOEY. 

divine service. They attended the doors of the church 
when the Holy Communion was administered, and carried 
the messages of the bishops to foreign Churches. Attend- 
ants were employed to light the candles of the church, 
and attend the ministers with the elements for the sacra- 
ment. Doorkeepers, as the name implies, were occupied 
in opening and closing the doors of the church, under the 
direction of the sub-deacons. It devolved on them to give 
notice of the times of prayer and Church assemblies. This 
order probably arose in time of persecution, when Chris- 
tians were watched by their enemies, and private signals 
were employed, by some authorized person, in order to 
avoid discovery. Headers were appointed to read the 
Scriptures in that part of the Church service to which the 
catechumens were admitted. ^Exorcists were those persons 
who had power over evil spirits, and were employed to 
drive them out of the bodies of the possessed. The copiatoe 
were an order of men set apart to attend on funerals, and 
to provide for the proper burial of the dead. 

In the latter part of the third century there was a step 
taken towards the erection of that powerful instrument of 
the Roman Church in a later age, the confessional. Places 
were prepared and set apart in churches, for hearing pri- 
vate confession of sins. 

The sign of the cross now came into very general use, 
and many believed eminent virtues attended it. They 
thought, in times of trial and danger, it would preserve 
them from harm. It was considered the surest defence 



What duties devolved on attendants ? What on doorkeepers ? What 
gave rise to this order ? What duties did readers perform? What exor- 
cists ? Who were the copiataa ? When was the first step taken towards the 
Confessional ? What was the Confessional ? What is said of the use of the 
sign of the cross ? What advantage did some believe it possessed ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 181 

against the power and influence of evil spirits, and was 
used before engaging in any important enterprise, that its 
triumphant power might bring success. 

The practice of using incense began now to appear in' 
some churches. A few Christians believed that the rich 
and fragrant odors that arise from the burning of precious 
gums and spices, would be pleasing in the sight of God, 
and would aid in securing His favor. They seem to have 
lost sight of that direct, simple, and unfailing source of 
relief in every time of need, pledged to them by our 
Saviour — " Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will 
I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye 
shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it." Losing sight 
of this never-failing and ever-ready help, they added to 
those holy institutions which he appointed, the service of 
Jewish and heathen altars. 

A Christian sect called Ifieracites, after the name of its 
founder, Hierax, had its rise in the latter part of this cen- 
tury. Hieraxwas distinguished for his great learning, and 
for his venerable appearance of sanctity. He taught that 
all children dying before they knew what their duty was 
to God and man, were lost in everlasting perdition. He 
believed that Melchizedec, king of Salem, who blessed 
Abraham, was the Holy Ghost. He denied the doctrine 
of the resurrection, and so mingled fiction with the inter- 
pretation of Scripture, as to darken and obscure its lucid 
truths. There were other errors in his system of less im- 
portance, none of which obtained any real support from 



What is the use of incense ? What did they forget ? Could any advan- 
tage arise from the use of this Jewish and heathen rite ? Who were the 
Ilieraeites? For what was Hierax distinguished? What revolting doc- 
trine did he teach ? What did he believe of Melchizedec ? What great 
truth did he deny ? What is said of his other errors ? 



182 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

the Bible, and all of which were condemned by the faith 
and practice of the universal Church. 

Some of the sects of this century continued to disturb 
the peace of the Church for many years ; others, however, 
were of short duration. Some dwindled away, and their 
wreck was lost in heathenism ; others were reclaimed to 
the bosom of the faithful. A beautiful instance of the lat- 
ter occurred in the history of Dionysius the Great. It 
happened a short time before the death of that eminent 
prelate. Nepos, a bishop of Africa, had made a vigorous 
attempt to restore to its former popularity the doctrine of 
the millennium, which had become unpopular through the 
efforts of Origen and other able writers. He wrote a book 
in support of his opinions, which gave rise to a bitter con- 
troversy and to sad dissensions in Africa. At Arsinoe, a 
town in Egypt, it caused lamentable divisions among the 
brethren. To remove these differences and restore quiet 
to the Church, Dionysius made them a visit. He called 
together the clergy from all the neighboring villages, and 
earnestly recommended a public examination of the sub- 
ject in dispute. Those who were the advocates of the 
opinion of Nepos, presented his work as a satisfactory de- 
fence of the millenarian doctrine. Dionysius took the 
book, and with the utmost patience devoted three entire 
days to the examination of its contents, and in the mean 
while, as he proceeded, exposing its errors in the presence 
of all who were willing to listen to the examination ? En- 
tire freedom was given to those who were opposed to his 



Did the sects of this century continue to disturb the Church long ? 
"Were any reclaimed from their errors ? What example is given of the 
influence of Dionysius the Great? What schism did he heal? How? 
What book was presented by these Millenarians ? How did Dionysius 
treat the subject ? What liberty did he grant to those opposed to his views ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 163 

views, to offer their objections to them and to defend their 
own doctrine. He kept continually before their minds the 
object of their search, which was, to arrive at divine truth. 
By his kind, gentle, and conciliating course, he succeeded 
in persuading all to lay aside every thing that might bias 
their judgment and prevent their arriving at truth. He 
set them an example of mutual concession. He yielded 
whatever he could, consistently, for the sake of unity. No 
arguments, doubts, or objections were avoided, but were 
candidly met and considered. In this manner, with per- 
fectly harmonious feelings and good-will, they advanced 
carefully and thoughtfully in their work of reconciliation, 
until Coracio, the leader of the opposing party, arose in 
the assembly, and, in the presence of all, confessed that he 
had embraced an error, but now renounced it, and would 
never again mention or teach it. Dionysius returned to 
Alexandria with a heart overflowing with grateful feeling 
that God had made him the happy instrument in removing 
strife from the Church, and reclaiming so many wandering 
sheep from the ways of error. 

What did he keep before their minds ? What good example did he set 
them ? Was the discussion harmonious ? What did Coracio confess ? 
Did he renounce his errors ? What were the feelings of Dionysius on his 
return ? 



184: PEINCIPLES OF CHUECH HISTORY. 



CHAPTEE XXIII. 

PEOGEESS OF CHEISTIANITY. — CHUECHES OF SYEIA, OF 
MACEDONIA, OF EOME, OF GAUL, OF SPAIN, OF BEITAIN, 
OF AFEICA. — CLOSE OF THIED CENTUEY. 

The progress of Christianity was different from any 
other system of religion. As its Founder foretold, by the 
parable of the leaven, which silently diffused itself through 
the whole mass of meal till all was leavened, so Chris- 
tianity diffused itself through the whole lump of society. 
In a quiet and unpretending way, it extended its influence 
through every class, and won converts from every grade 
of community. It was at this secret work nearly three 
hundred years, before the civil power suffered it to make 
its conquests in peace. From the beginning it stood aloof 
from political intrigue, nor ever turned the scales for politi- 
cal rivals. By rendering " to Caesar the things that are 
Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's," it stu- 
diously avoided giving any just cause of offence to the 
civil magistrate. The most cultivated nations of the world 
were planted around the Mediterranean, and here it began 
its work, challenging the wise and prudent of the world to 
investigate its claims. The severest conflicts through 



How does the progress of Christianity compare with other religious sys- 
tems? What is said of leaven? How did Christianity extend itself? 
How long before the civil power gave it liberty to do its work ? Did it 
interfere in politics ? Where were found the most cultivated nations ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 185 

which it had to pass, were suffered to befall it in its infancy ; 
its most bloody battles were fought in its most tender 
age, and when the army of the faithful was the smallest. 
Yet it survived. The " gates of hell " could not prevail 
against it. The blood of its martyrs was its fruitful seed, 
which produced thirty, sixty, and a hundred fold. The 
circumstance of its rise and progress is an unparalleled 
wonder, and the faithful historian of Christ's Church records 
a mighty miracle. It is impossible to account for it on the 
principles of human reason. The problem is too hard for 
the philosopher to solve. At the close of the third cen- 
tury it had become a great power. Church edifices were 
numerous, and many of them were among the most respect- 
able buildings of the age. Old ones were repaired and 
enlarged, and new ones erected, in all parts. At Rome 
there were no less than fifty, with their complement of 
clergy. With its increasing numbers and power, the 
Church had also grown in wealth. The sacred vessels of 
silver and gold that adorned the Church service, indicated 
its temporal prosperity. The Syrian Church extended 
over a vast region of country, embracing Mesopotamia on 
the east, and Cyprus on the west. Palestine, or the Holy 
Land, was its centre. Here the Sun of Righteousness arose 
and diffused, through His disciples, the light of the Gospel, 
east, west, north, and south. Next to this land, honored 
with so many sacred scenes and events, Asia Minor ranks 
as the field of early Christian labor. This was the scene 
of St. Paul's earliest battles for the faith he had persecuted, 

At what age did the Church suffer most ? What is the greatest wonder ? 
How can it be solved ? What size had the Church attained at the close of 
the third century ? What is said of church buildings ? How many at 
Eome? What of the wealth of the Church ? What did the Syrian Church 
embrace? What was its centre? What was the field of St. Paul's 
earliest labors ? 



186 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

and for the honor of his Lord, whose religion he had tried 
to exterminate. To the brethren of the Churches which 
he had planted here, he addressed several of his epistles. 
To the angels, or bishops, of the Churches in Asia Minor, 
St. John was instructed of God to address a portion of 
that wonderful book of his Revelation. This land was the 
grand nursery of the early Church, yielding the greatest 
number of converts to the faith. But while its soil was so 
rich, and produced so abundantly the fruits of the Gospel, 
it was not free from tares. It produced also a luxuriant 
growth of heresies. The Judaizing and Gnostic sects 
flourished here. This land gave birth to Montanus and 
Novatian, two great schismatics and disturbers of the 
peace of the Church. The Church here shared in the bit- 
ter strife which so long agitated the household of faith, 
respecting the time of observing Easter. ISTor was it free 
from the influence of other errors, started in distant parts 
of the empire. In the reign of Decius, the barbarous 
Goths invaded the country, and threw all things into con- 
fusion. These rude invaders forced many Christians to 
deny the faith. On the contrary, some of them were con- 
verted to Christianity, and carried with them the seeds of 
divine life and light, to plant around their distant and rude 
firesides. It has been estimated that in its several provin- 
ces there were, at this time, eighty bishops in the Syrian 
Church. 

From Asia Minor, the great Apostle, as we have seen, 
proceeded westward, and established Churches in Mace- 



To what Churches did he write several of his epistles ? What is further 
said of the Church in Asia Minor ? What of the heresies ? What fanati- 
cism nourished here? What is said of the Goths? How many bishops 
in the Syrian Church at this time ? Where did the Apostle Paul go from 
Asia Minor? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 187 

donia and Achaia. In these provinces the Church had 
continued to grow and extend its dominion, and, embracing 
the island of Crete, it numbered, at the close of the third 
century, as many as fifty dioceses. 

The Roman Church, with the islands in the Mediterra- 
nean west of Crete, numbered more than a hundred sees 
and dioceses. The Gallic Church, begun at Lyons and 
Vienna, survived and flourished, though, during the fifth 
and sixth persecutions, a host of its martyr heroes laid 
down their lives for the faith. The prosperity of this 
Church was greatly increased by the addition of seven 
bishops; who, in the midst of that dreadful storm of perse- 
cution raised by Decius, boldly entered upon their perilous 
mission, and founded sees at Paris, Aries, and other chief 
towns and commanding positions. 

The Church of Spain, in the middle of this century, had 
also become an important limb of the catholic tree. At 
the close of the Decian persecution, an event occurred 
which is worthy of particular remark in this connection. 
Two bishops, Basilides and Martialis, were proved guilty 
of apostasy in this persecution. They were bishops of 
Leon and Astorga, in Spain, and for this crime, of denying 
the faith, they were deposed by their brethren. Felix and 
Salinus were appointed in their place. But Basilides 
endeavored to regain his place and power ; and to secure 
his restoration, he went to Rome and won over Stephen, 
its bishop, to his cause. The brethren of Spain, hearing of 
his plans and their success, and fearing that an attempt 

What is said of the growth of the Church here? What of the Roman 
Church ? What is said of the Gallic Church ? What event greatly increased 
its prosperity ? At what towns was the Church established ? What was 
the state of the Spanish Church? What event occurred in it at the close 
of the Decian persecution? How did Basilides try to regain his office and 
power ? What course did the brethren in Spain pursue ? 



188 PRINCIPLES OP CHURCH HISTORY. 

would be made to force him upon them again as their 
bishop, laid their case before St. Cyprian and the Church 
in Northern Africa. The subject was submitted to an 
African synod, which decided that the course pursued by 
the Spanish Church was just, and agreeable to canon law; 
it advised them to persist in rejecting the apostate bishops, 
and to have no fear of the consequences. 

The history of the British Church, though planted, as 
we have seen, in apostolic times, is involved in much 
obscurity during the first three centuries; but, in the 
fourth, it becomes an object of interest, and commands the 
attention of the reader. 

In the northern portion of Africa, stretching along the 
Mediterranean, there were, at the close of the third cen- 
tury, as many as a hundred sees and dioceses. A portion 
of Arabia contained, at least, twenty-one dioceses, having 
its principal see at Bostria. This summary only embraces 
the most important parts of the Christian world at this 
time. The Church had extended itself north, south, and 
east, beyond these bounds, and was daily advancing. 

The third century closed in upon the Church, leaving it 
in a state of the highest prosperity. It was still enjoying 
that reign of peace with which, for a number of years, it 
had been blessed. It was an harmonious and powerful 
body, united in spirit, in doctrine, in discipline, in worship, 
and in zeal for the triumphs of the Gospel. The Head of 
the Church had strengthened its defences, and disciplined 
the army of the faithful for new and more arduous labors, 



What was the decision of the African synod ? What can you say of the 
British Church? When does it become an object of interest ? What was 
the state of the African Church? In what state was the Church at the 
close of the third century ? What can you say of its harmony and power ? 
What of its unity ? What trial was it yet to endure ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 189 

and for an approaching bloody conflict, which would out- 
rival all that had gone before in brutal atrocity. The 
blood of the early martyrs had not been spilt in vain. 
Where one was found in the first century ready to lay 
clown his life for the faith, now hundreds stood forth to fill 
his place. Thus were heathen rage and malice rewarded. 
The Church grew in the night of adversity, as well as under 
the sun of prosperity. 

What was the comparison between the Church in the first and close of 
the third century ? 



190 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 



CHAPTER XXIY. 

DIOCLETIAN, MAXIMIAN, GALERIUS. — TENTH PERSECUTION. 
DEATH OF ST. ALBAN IN BRITAIN. 

We have now arrived at a period in our history which 
is marked by some of the most important events in its 
annals. Some of these events overshadowed the Church 
with the most gloomy horrors. These melancholy events 
were followed by others so happy and brilliant, as to ani- 
mate the hearts of the faithful with the most rapturous joy 
and delight. 

At the beginning of the fourth century, the empire was 
ruled by four princes, two of whom were superior to the 
others in authority and dignity. These two were Diocle- 
tian and Maximian. Under their administration, the re- 
pose which the Church had so long enjoyed, still contin- 
ued. But its great prosperity and rapid growth alarmed 
the pagans and excited their jealousy. Especially the 
fears of their priests were excited to the highest degree. 
They saw that their influence and power were actually in 
danger of being undone by the increasing strength of 
Christianity. These fears aroused them to uncommon 
activity in defence of their system of religion. The nine 

What is said of this period of Church History? What of its sad and 
happy events ? By whom was the empire ruled at the beginning of the 
fourth century ? How did they compare in power ? What was the state 
of the Church ? Whose jealousy did it excite ? What did it induce the 
heathen to do ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 191 

attempts which they had already made to destroy it by 
persecution, and which had so signally failed, were not 
sufficient to convince them of the folly of this course. 
Their ablest writers had made the attempt by ridicule, 
misrepresentation, and falsehood to destroy it, but had 
utterly failed. The only practicable way that opened to 
them, to accomplish their end, appeared to be by persecu- 
tion. They accordingly resolved to urge Diocletian to 
initiate the bloody drama. The mind of this monarch was 
timid and superstitious. The priests knew well how to act 
upon these weak points in his nature, and they attempted 
to influence him to gratify their wishes by means of their 
lying oracles and deceptive arts. When they had em- 
ployed every means without the desired effect, they turned 
their attention to another of the princes, whose natural 
constitution of mind fitted him well for this purpose. This 
was Galerius, one of the inferior rulers. The temper of 
this man was fierce and savage, and his education was 
confined to the cruel arts of war. The priests, with the 
aid of his superstitious mother, too easily influenced him. to 
favor their measures, and aid them in their bloody work. 
He enlisted in their cause with a zeal that would have 
honored a noble work. He urged Diocletian, with un- 
wearied effort, to pass laws against his Christian subjects, 
whom he represented as haters of the gods, and therefore 
the enemies of his government. At last he succeeded in 
obtaining his request. In the year 303, Diocletian gave 
his sanction to a severe law against Christians. But he 



Did the nine persecutions they had inflicted have any influence over 
them ? What was the only way they saw to destroy the Church? . What 
did they now try to do? With what eifect? Who was Galerius ? What 
was his character ? What did he do ? What effect had these united efforts 
on Diocletian ? When did he commence persecution ? 



192 PRINCIPLES OF CHUECH HISTORY. 

was so averse to shedding blood, that he would not grant 
permission to put them to death. The law he passed, 
ordered that their churches should be destroyed, their 
writings and sacred books burned, their civil rights and 
privileges taken from them, and that they should not be 
allowed to have any honors or offices of a temporal kind. 
Though Diocletian did not design that this law should 
cause the blood of Christians to flow, yet he was mistaken. 
There were very many of the faithful who could be forced 
by no laws or threatenings to give up to the flames the 
holy Scriptures and other writings which they held sacred. 
Those Christians who did surrender them, were severely 
condemned by their brethren, and called traitors. Such, 
however, as refused to obey the law, were put to death for 
their disobedience. This was but the beginning of trouble. 
It was only the little rill, in comparison with the deluge of 
sorrows that was soon to overwhelm the Church. Soon 
after the first edict was passed, the palace that the infamous 
Galerius was occupying with Diocletian was twice discov- 
ered to be on fire. This attempt to burn the palace was 
probably made by Galerius himself, or by some one in his 
interest, for the purpose of finding some charge, though 
false, to make against Christians, to inflame yet more the 
hatred of the emperor. They accused Christians of having 
tried to burn the palace, for revenge upon the authors of 
their sorrows. This unjust and cruel charge was too 
readily believed by Diocletian, and caused the death of 
many as incendiaries, some of whom were tortured in a 



What law did lie pass ? Did Diocletian intend to take the lives of Chris- 
tians ? Would Christians surrender their sacred books ? Who were called 
traitors ? What is said of the palace occupied by the emperors ? Who prob- 
ably made the attempt to burn the palace? For what purpose? With 
what effect ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 193 

dreadful manner. About the same time, great tumults 
arose among the people in other parts, and the followers of 
Christ were charged with being the authors of these. The 
hatred and fury of the emperor were now sufficiently 
excited against them to believe any report to their harm, 
and this new charge inflamed him to the highest pitch. 
He now gave orders that all the bishops and other minis- 
ters should be seized and cast into prison. When this 
unjust and barbarous act had been executed, he proceeded 
to persecute them still further, and in a manner which 
makes humanity shudder. He introduced the bloody 
drama by a fiend-like act. When in Nicomedia, the seat 
of his court, six hundred of the faithful were assembled in 
a church of that city, on Christmas day, to celebrate the 
nativity of their Lord. The emperor, being apprised of 
the fact, gave the terrible order to bar the doors, and set 
the building on fire. His officers, fearing man rather than 
God, obeyed, and they all perished while sending up their 
jubilant hymns of praise to God for the gift of a Saviour. 
Having secured as many of the bishops and clergy in prison 
as he could, he attempted to make them all sacrifice to his 
gods, and so deny Christ. He instructed his agents, if 
they could not otherwise make them obey, to ply them 
with every variety of torture, and such as was most linger- 
ing and extreme, to force them to deny their faith. He 
thought if he could succeed in making the bishops and 
other clergy sacrifice to his idols, he could easily induce 
the laity to follow their example. In the attempt to accom- 



What else occurred about the same time ? What effect had these tu- 
mults on the emperors ? "What new step was now taken in the progress of 
persecution ? What bloody act did he perform in Nicomedia ? On what 
day did it occur? What did he try to make the bishops and clergy in 
prison do ? What means did he use ? What did he hope to accomplish ? 



194 PKINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

plish this awful purpose, great • numbers of the clergy, 
eminent for their learning and piety, were put to the 
torture and to death in all parts of his jurisdiction. Under 
the dominion of Constantine only, they were exempt from 
persecution. In the year 304, he was persuaded by Gale- 
rius and others to pass still another edict against them. 
By this, the magistrates were required to compel all 
Christians, of whatever age, sex, or condition, to sacrifice 
to the gods. This order was so cheerfully executed by 
the magistrates, that the slaughter of Christians was horri- 
ble, and led many of the feeble-hearted among the faithful 
to believe that the promise of Christ would now fail, and 
"the gates of hell" would prevail against the Church. 
The sufferings of the Church in Palestine were conspicuous. 
It supplied more than its share to the dismal picture, 
offering a multitude of martyr heroes to the sacrifice. 
The account of these sufferings is a wonderful exhibition of 
constancy and faith. "With lamb-like meekness, a great 
number submitted to the loss of liberty, and to toil in the 
mines with the basest criminals. A multitude of the 
common people, who were beneath the notice of the perse- 
cutor, illustrated in a glorious manner the triumphs of a 
true faith in Christ. Some of the clergy suffered martyr- 
dom, others were imprisoned, banished, condemned to the 
mines, or concealed themselves. The churches were closed, 
and public services were suspended. The government 
took possession of all Church property, and appropriated it 
to profane uses. Where but recently Church life abounded, 

What did the clergy have to endure ? "Where did they alone escape ? 
What edict was passed iu the year 304? What -were the consequences of 
this additional law? What impression fell on the minds of feeble-hearted 
Christians? What is said of the sufferings of the Church in Palestine? 
How did the suflerers endure the affliction ? What is said uf the clergy 
and churcht-s \ 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 195 

and throngs attended its public worship, there now pre- 
vailed the silence of death. What added to the gloom, 
was the triumphant display of the heathen worship, which 
appeared in a dress of unusual pomp in their temples. 
Yet, in this land where Christianity appeared to be extin- 
guished, no sooner did a lull come over the storm of perse- 
cution, than, like a host of the dead suddenly rising to life, 
Christians came forth and crowded all the places of public 
worship. So spontaneous and joyful was this resurrection 
of Christian life and zeal, that the heathen were amazed at 
it, and many of them were led by this circumstance to 
become Christians. 

The Church of Antioch, though it suffered less than 
many others, had the honor of furnishing a goodly number 
of victims for the sacrifice. Lucian, a celebrated teacher 
in the school of Antioch, was seized and carried to Nico- 
media. Here, by his heroic example and noble zeal, he 
restored a number who had fallen from the faith, and 
emboldened them to receive the martyr's crown. He was 
cast into prison, where he was treated with barbarous 
cruelty. It is said, when his brother confessors confined 
with him needed a table on which to celebrate the Lord's 
Supper, lying on his back, he offered them his breast, 
saying, " This breast shall be your table, and you standing 
round shall be my holy temple." His enemies suffered 
him to die of starvation. Thus lying on his back, he 
lingered fourteen days, then peacefully resigned his soul 
into the hands of God. Two ladies of rank and distin- 



What effect had this persecution on public worship ? What is said of 
the pomp of heathen worship ? What took place here when persecution 
ceased ? What effect had it on the heathen ? What is said of the Church 
at Antioch ? What is said of Lucian ? How did he provide a table for his 
brother confessors to eat the Lord's Supper 3 How did he die ? 



196 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

guished beauty, to escape the hands of the brutal soldiery, 
drowned themselves. 

The persecution raged with extreme severity in all parts 
of Egypt. The number and importance of the martyrs 
were greater than in any preceding persecution. They 
suffered in every conceivable way that the craft and 
malice of satan could suggest. Multitudes were put to 
death. A vast number were tortured in various ways. 
They were scourged, roasted over a slow fire, burned with 
melted lead, racked, hung up by the hands, their flesh torn 
off with pincers, and subjected to other kindred torments. 
Peter, bishop of Alexandria, surnamed the martyr, was 
beheaded in prison. He was the only bishop of this see 
that received the martyr's crown. Being one of the last 
that suffered, he has been called " the seal and end of the 
martyrs." 

Diocletian can claim to have dealt impartially in this hor- 
rid work, for he treated his own household with the same 
severity he treated strangers. He forced his wife, Prisca, 
and his daughter, Valeria, to sacrifice to the gods. Other 
members of his household were tortured over a slow fire, 
then put to death. In the city where he dwelt, numbers 
of the faithful were gathered in groups by his agents, and 
consumed in a ring of fire. To terrify Christians, and 
make them renounce the faith, he invented such modes of 
torture as the world had never seen. 

This persecution extended to the British isles. If we 
may credit the statements of Bede, the venerable historian 



What is said of the persecution in Egypt? In what ways were Chris- 
tians tormented? How did Peter the Martyr suffer ? What has he been 
called? How did Diocletian treat his wife and daughter, and other mem- 
bers of his household ? How did he deal with Christians in his own town ? 
What is said of the British isles ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHUECH HISTOEY. 197 

of the early English Church, many of the faithful perished 
there, of both sexes, whose bodies were racked and torn in 
a horrid manner. The most noted martyr who perished in 
Britain at this time was St. Alban. He was a native of 
the country in which he suffered, as we learn from an early 
poet — 

" In Britain's isle was holy Alban born." 

He was a pagan when the persecution began. But 
while it was raging, a Christian minister took refuge in his 
house, to escape the pursuit of his enemies. Alban closely 
observed the conduct of the pious fugitive, and discovered 
that he spent nearly his whole time in solemn devotion to 
God. This example of faith and piety so deeply impressed 
him, that it resulted in his conversion to Christ. Without 
delay he renounced the worship of idols, and became a sin- 
cere and faithful believer in the Gospel. But the minister 
had not remained long in his house before the persecutors 
learned of the place of his concealment. The wicked 
prince then sent soldiers to search the house, and, if possi- 
ble, to bring him to trial. When these soldiers came to 
his house, instead of conducting them to the room where 
he had concealed the fugitive, he put on the long coat worn 
by his concealed guest, and offered himself in his place. 
He was then bound and led into the presence of the heathen 
judge. When he entered the place of trial, the judge was 
standing before his altar offering sacrifices to the images of 
devils. The soldiers were commanded to drag him up 



Give an account of the death of St. Alban. Who took refuge in his 
house ? What influence had the example of this minister ? What did the 
persecutors soon learn ? Did Alban deliver up the minister ? How did he 
save his spiritual father? When he appeared, what was his judge doing ? 
What were the soldiers commanded to do ? 



198 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

before these horrid creatures. He was next ordered to 
offer sacrifices to them. He refused to obey, and boldly- 
replied to the judge — " Whosoever shall offer sacrifices to 
these images, shall receive the everlasting pains of hell for 
his reward." This bold and terrible rebuke roused the 
fury of the judge, who commanded that he should be im- 
mediately scourged. But he bore the torture of the 
scourging with patience and joy for Christ's sake, who, un- 
der the same affliction, had set him an example of patience. 
When the judge saw that he could not shake his constancy 
by torture, he condemned him to death. As soon as the 
sentence was pronounced, they hastened him away to the 
place of execution. 

The venerable Bede records several wonderful miracles 
that occurred on his way to execution and at the place. 
The soldier who conducted him was converted by these 
events, and the sword with which he was to behead Alban 
fell to the ground. He begged to be allowed to die in the 
place of the martyr ; .and if that could not be, to die with 
him. After the head of St. Alban had rolled from the 
block, the request of the converted soldier was granted, 
and he too was beheaded. The affecting circumstances 
that attended the death of these martyrs so strongly 
affected the mind of the judge, that he ordered the perse- 
cution in his jurisdiction to cease, and from an enemy he 
became a friend and admirer of the saints. This is the 
tenth persecution^ and was the most severe of all. 



"What did Alban say of those who offered to devils ? What did the 
judge then do ? "What account does Venerable Bede give of the matter? 
What effect had the circumstances on the soldier who conducted him 1 
What was the end of this converted soldier ? What effect had the death 
of these martyrs on the judge ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHUECH HISTOKY. 199 



CHAPTER XXV. 

IMPORTANT POLITICAL CHANGES. — DEATH OF TYRANTS. 

CONSTANTINE. — HIS VICTORIES. — LICINIUS. — CONSTANTINE 
BECOMES SOLE RULER. 

• In the year 305, Diocletian resigned his imperial office, 
laid aside his crown and sceptre, and retired to an elegant 
retreat in Dalmatia. It is supposed that he became wearied 
and disgusted with the administration of his government, 
and this circumstance, joined with a tedious illness, induced 
him to abdicate. He induced Maximian, his associate in 
the imperial dignity, to resign at the same time, though it 
was done with reluctance. They both abdicated on the 
same day. The revolting tyrant and persecutor, Galerius, 
then became emperor. He abandoned himself to indul- 
gence in the most loathsome vices, and to his unbounded 
malice against Christians. But God did not suffer him to 
indulge his evil nature long. He was brought down to his 
grave by that loathsome and terrible disease that ended 
the life of the tyrannical and persecuting Herod. A fester- 
ing sore spread in his body, which became a nest of innu- 
merable worms that nothing could expel. They literally 
devoured him. The whole palace became so filled with the 
deadly odor from his spreading sores, that none could ap- 



When did Diocletian resign his office ? "Why ? Whom did he induce 
to resign at the same time ? Who then became chief ruler ? To what did 
he abandon himself? Was he permitted to reign long ? With what terri- 
ble disease did he die ? 



V 

200 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

proach him without perilling their lives. Tortured with 
this terrible plague, and with that never-dying worm 
which appeared to have already begun its work upon his 
soul, he repented of having persecuted the disciples of 
Christ, and put an end to the persecution in the year 311. 
Maximin succeeded Galerius. For a short time he made a 
show of religious toleration, but at length became a reck- 
less and hideous persecutor. But after perpetrating every 
variety of crime, most odious in the sight of God and 
revolting to humanity, he was defeated in battle by Li- 
cinius, his rival, and driven from his throne. Deprived of 
power and protection, like an uncaged and ferocious beast, 
he wandered wildly about, feared, hated, and cursed of all. 
At last, to end his wretchedness, he took poison. But, to 
his disappointment, it only increased his misery. The dose 
was not sufficient to destroy his life, but, remaining in his 
system, it operated like an inward fire, which gradually 
tortured him to death. He too, like Galerius, repented of his 
barbarous cruelty to Christians. With his death ended the 
persecution, in the year 313, having lasted ten years. The 
end of Maximian, who retired with Diocletian, was also 
disgraceful. The monuments erected to his honor were 
demolished, and the statues which he had made to perpetu- 
ate his fame were torn down, that no object might remain 
to indicate a lingering token of respect or veneration for 
him. 

A series of political changes now took place in the 
government of the empire, which makes it one of the most 



When ? Did he repent ? Who was his successor ? What course did he 
pursue ? By whom was he defeated ? How did he then conduct ? What 
was his end ? Did he repent ? What happy result ensued on his death ? 
When ? What was the end of Maximian ? In what way was he dis- 
graced ? What is said of the political changes that took place ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 201 

stirring and exciting periods in its civil history. There 
were serene and happy days in reserve for the Church, 
whose joys would overpay all its trials and sorrows, and 
such days as had never before dawned upon it. The event 
for which the faithful had earnestly prayed, hoped, and 
looked, during the long night of their bitter trial and 
affliction, dawned in the rise of Constantine, called the 
Great, on account of his many and glorious deeds. His 
father, Constantius, had won the confidence of Christians 
by the protection he had extended to them, and by his 
meekness and courtesy. It appears that Constantine had 
gained the confidence of the army, and of many others 
who occupied places of great honor and distinction. For 
upon the death of his father, which occurred in Britain in 
the year 306, he was saluted emperor by the army, and 
forced to accept the imperial authority. That part of the 
empire fell to his share which his father had ruled. Max- 
entius, another of the monarchs that shared in the govern- 
ment of the empire, ruled at Rome. The favor and pro- 
tection which Constantine had extended to Christians, drew 
many of them to his standard, and swelled the ranks of his 
army. His careful eye observed how peaceful, orderly, 
faithful, and brave they were, while he saw, in striking con- 
trast, the turbulent and reckless conduct of his heathen 
soldiers. The noble bearing of his Christian soldiers won 
his admiration and confidence, and induced him to place 
great reliance upon them. And he soon had occasion to 
put their fidelity and courage to a severe trial. 



What was in reserve for the Church ? Under whose reign did prosperity- 
dawn on the Church ? Who was Constantine ? What is said of his popu- 
larity ? When did his father die ? Where % What part of the empire fell 
to his share ? Who ruled at Eome ? What circumstance drew Christians 
to his standard ? What is said of his Christian soldiers I 

9* 



202 PRINCIPLES OF CHUBCH EISTOEY. 

Maxentius, son of Maximian, the retired emperor, at 
this time ruled Italy and northern Africa. He is repre- 
sented to have been a most odious character, his vices being 
kindred to those of Maximin. Female virtue, when it 
attracted his eye, could only escape his brutal lusts by 
death. He would forcibly separate wives from their hus- 
bands, and having abused them, send them back thus 
polluted to their husbands and families. He was guilty of 
conduct so infamous as to make one shudder at their bare 
recital. This royal monster seized the earliest pretext for 
a quarrel with Constantine. "Nov did the latter wait to be 
attacked. Seeing the determination of Maxentius to force 
on a war, he advanced with his army rapidly towards Rome. 
During this march he became the avowed and bold friend 
of Christianity. This happy event was brought about by 
a circumstance truly wonderful. He saw a cross, at mid- 
day, in the heavens, as glorious as the unclouded sun, and 
upon it were written these words — "By this conquer." 
The sight of this luminous cross and its inscription greatly 
amazed him. His army also saw it, and were equally 
astonished. In the following night he saw, in a vision, the 
Saviour appear before him and display the same sign, who 
instructed him to make a standard of the cross, and gave 
him assurance that he would then march in triumph against 
his enemies. He accordingly erected a cross upon his ban- 
ner, and marched forward to achieve a brilliant succession 
of victories. He defeated Maxentius in three successive 
battles ; and in the last, fought under the walls of Rome, 

"Who was the ruler of Italy ? "What was the character of Maxentius ? 
Of what infamous conduct was he guilty ? "With whom did he seek a 
quarrel? "What happy event took place in Constantine' s march? What 
wonderful sight did Constantine behold? What effect had it on him? 
What occurred on the following night ? What did he then erect on his 
banner? What success attended his march ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHUECH HISTORY. 203 

the army of the tyrant was totally routed, and himself 
drowned in the Tiber while attempting to make his escape 
into the city. Constantine then marched triumphantly into 
Rome, and was received by the citizens with demonstra- 
tions of great joy. Egypt and Italy acknowledged him 
emperor in place of Maxentius, and he at once proclaimed 
religious liberty throughout his dominions. This great 
event occurred in the year 314, and was the most joyful 
one the Church had yet experienced. Christians looked 
upon it as the special work of a divine providence. It 
came so suddenly in the hour of utmost need, like the 
bursting out of the sun in full glory at midnight — it was 
such a mighty rebound from extreme sorrow and depres- 
sion to rapturous joy and delight — the cup was so full, the 
draught so sweet and so copious, that the faithful drank to 
intoxication. And, strange as it appears, the heathen 
acquiesced. Though the Christian population were a very 
small minority, their joy was not interrupted. The heathen 
rather encouraged them in the expression of their pleasure, 
for they, too, had cause to rejoice. The tyranny of their 
rulers had proved an intolerable burden. The bloody 
tyrants had not even respected their friends. Their exac- 
tions had been severe and cruel to all, and all rejoiced in 
their deliverance. The instruments of their oppression 
were now removed ; the main-springs of persecution were 
broken. The enemies of the Church had become satiated 
with the blood of the martyrs. Heathenism, like some 
huge serpent that has gorged itself with the blood and 



What became of Maxentius ? Of what did Constantine now become 
ruler? When did this event occur? What was the effect on the minds of 
Christians ? What on the heathen ? What oppression had they borne ? 
What classes of society had their exactions affected ? What had become 
of the sources of tyranny ? What is said of heathenism ? 



204 PRINCIPLES OF CHUECH HISTORY. 

flesh of its victim, and then lies inactive and dormant, had 
drunk of Christian blood until it had become a burden to 
itself. Truth had also done its work. Silently it had 
wound itself around its enemy, gradually overcoming him, 
till he now lay, without a struggle, at the mercy of his 
conqueror. 

In the mean while, the aged Diocletian was a silent 
spectator of the mighty drama that was acting around him. 
But he enjoyed little of the peace and satisfaction from his 
retreat he had anticipated. He had figured too largely 
upon the stage himself, he was responsible for too many of 
the groans of his distressed country, his own hands were 
too deeply stained with the blood of the innocent, to 
descend peacefully to his grave. He had abdicated, but 
had left the government in the hands of blood-thirsty 
tyrants ; and he did not escape the smart of the scourge 
he had inflicted on the people. His lovely and accom- 
plished daughter, Valeria, widow of Galerius, was banished 
by the brutal Maximin. He murdered her female friends, 
tortured her servants, confiscated her property, and blasted 
her reputation. When the news of this cruel outrage 
reached the ears of Diocletian, he besought permission of 
the tyrant that his daughter might share with him his 
retreat, and comfort him in his old age. This request was 
refused. No better fortune attended his family upon the 
accession of Licinius. For more than a year, both his wife 
and daughter wandered over the land as fugitives, in the 
garb of peasants, the objects of general pity and sorrow. 



What work had truth clone ? In what state was the aged Diocletian ? 
Could he enjoy peace ? "Why not? Whom had he left as his successor? 
What was the fate of his daughter, Valeria? How did Maximin treat her? 
What did Diocletian request? Was his request granted ? What were the 
sufferings of his wife and daughter under Licinius ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 205 

At last they were discovered, and seized, by the order of 
Licinius, beheaded, and their bodies cast into the sea. Of 
the last days of Diocletian there is but little reliabie infor- 
mation. The testimony in regard to this period of his life 
is contradictory. By some he is said to have been part of 
the time insane ; others say he died of dropsy ; others, 
still, relate that his death was caused by an utter loss of 
ability both to sleep and eat. He lived to see Constantine 
the emperor of the West, and licinius of the East, and 
universal toleration granted to that religion which he had 
aided in so bitterly persecuting. 

Licinius married the sister of Constantine, and was per- 
suaded by that great prince to unite with him in granting 
to their subjects perfect freedom in religious opinion. But 
Licinius, though he made such fair professions of friendship 
for his brother-in-law, and of kindly feeling and respect for 
Christians, was still, at heart, a cruel, corrupt, and deceit- 
ful man. He became envious of the power and glory of 
Constantine, and laid secret plots to murder him. But 
they came short of their aim. Finding he could not 
accomplish his purpose in a secret way, he resolved to 
attempt it in open conflict. He accordingly made war 
upon Constantine. Here he was again foiled in his designs, 
and was glad to sue for peace from his injured friend, by 
whom he was roughly handled in battle. He now re- 
mained quiet for several years. But his defeat only em- 
bittered his feelings against Constantine and towards 
Christians. As he was unable to gratify his malice in any 



What are the different accounts of his death ? "What did he live to see ? 
Whom did Licinius marry? What did Constantine persuade him to do? 
What was the character of Licinius ? How did he treat Constantine ? 
When he failed to destroy him in a secret way, how did he proceed? 
Was he successful ? 



206 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

other way, he became the avowed enemy of the Church, 
and began to persecute them. He drove them all away 
from hjs palace, and thus deprived himself of the benefit of 
their counsel and the blessings they invoked upon him 
from heaven. He next deprived all Christians in the army 
of military honor or promotion. Then he attacked the 
bishops; and at first he caused them to be murdered 
secretly, through fear, lest Constantine should be incensed 
at his barbarity, and take vengeance on him. But he 
became more and more daring and cruel from day to day, 
until he finally destroyed them openly. Some of them, 
with strange barbarity, he caused to be cut into small 
pieces and cast into the sea, as food for fishes. The horrid 
cruelty of his conduct drove many to seek security in 
caverns, forests, deserts, and mountains. But he was not 
allowed to indulge long in this high-handed wickedness. 
Constantine had a watchful eye to the interests and welfare 
of Christians, and, seeing them thus cruelly treated, he felt 
bound to stand forth as their protector. He marched 
against Licinius with that army which he had so often led 
to victory, and, in his march, the same banner of the cross 
waved in its glory over the van of his army. This con- 
quering banner inspired the hearts of his soldiers with 
courage and enthusiasm, while it spread terror and dismay 
through the ranks of the enemy. Licinius was utterly 
defeated and subdued, and was compelled to throw himself 
on the mercy of the victor. But he had shown himself to 



How did he next strive to gratify his malice ? In what way did he per- 
secute ? Did his cruelty increase? In what barbarous way did he finally 
destroy Christians ? Where did they take shelter? Was he suffered to 
persecute a long time ? Who arrested him ? What course did Constan- 
tine pursue? What effect had the banner of the cross? What was the 
end of Licinius ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHTJECH HISTOET. 207 

be so bitter an enemy to the Church, and so dangerous a 
rival, that Constantine thought he was justified in putting 
him to death. This event occurred in the year 325, and 
left Constantine the sole ruler of the Roman empire. 

"When was he put to death 2 



208 PRINCIPLES OF CHUECH HISTORY. 



CHAPTER XXYI. 

TRIALS OF THE FOURTH CENTURY. MONKS AND HERMITS. 

— ST. ANTHONY. DONATISTS. CONSTANTINE'S TREAT- 
MENT OF THEM. 

In no period of Church History have the faithful needed 
more the benefits of that petition, "In all time of our 
tribulation, in all time of our prosperity, good Lord deliver 
us," than in the fourth century. At no time has the 
Church been more severely tried. The beginning of the 
century witnessed the longest and most terrible persecu- 
tion with which it had been afflicted. Suddenly and unex- 
pectedly, its state was changed from the lowest depression 
to a state of the highest prosperity ; from the deepest gulf 
of gloom and sorrow to the summit of light and joy. 
These vicissitudes were violent and severe, and extremely 
perilous. In addition to these great trials, the Church was 
afflicted with the most powerful and dangerous schisms 
and heresies it had ever experienced. Fanaticism also 
abounded, and the lives and conduct of multitudes of Chris- 
tians were eccentric, and repugnant to sound sense. In 
Africa the Church suffered most severely from these 
causes. The trouble began at Lycopolis, in Egypt, at the 
very dawn of the century. At this time this see ranked 

What is said of the trials of the fourth century? What persecution was 
the most bitter of all? What sudden change took place ? What is said 
of these vicissitudes ? What other afflictions occurred? What is said of 
fanaticism ? Where did the Church suffer most severely ? Where did the 
difficulty begin ? 



PEINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 209 

next to that of Alexandria in influence. Meletius, its 
bishop, at the close of the third century, was accused of 
having offered sacrifice to idols. He was tried by a coun- 
cil assembled at Alexandria, found guilty, and deprived of 
his office. This decision he treated with contempt, and 
immediately proceeded to organize a new sect. His doc- 
trines were essentially the same as those of the. catholic 
body. His errors were much like those of Novatian, con- 
sisting in austere and rigid views. He attracted followers 
to his standard, also, by some peculiar rites. Religious 
dances were introduced, and he represented heaven to his 
followers in gross and fanciful colors. The eloquence and 
venerable appearance of Meletius, aided by able leaders, 
made his sect popular, and drew great numbers into it. 
Like all other sects in primitive times, this, too, had its 
bishops. Its founder appointed one for each of the princi- 
pal sees. Arius, renowned as the father of the most pesti- 
lent heresy that ever infested the Church, for a time lent 
his support to this schism, not so much through sympathy 
for its peculiarities, as through hatred to the bishop of 
Alexandria. This sect survived for more than a hundred 
years, causing great disturbance, bitterness, and strife 
among Christians. 

The long and terrible persecution which Constantine 
was the blessed instrument of stopping, increased the num- 
ber of hermits and monks, and made the example of these 
solitary and useless Christians popular. In the year 305, 
St. Anthony, one of their number, organized the Egyptian 



Of what was Meletius accused ? What is said of his doctrines and 
errors ? What is said of religious dances ? Of the leaders ? Of its bish- 
ops? Of Arius? What induced Arius to aid this schism? How long 
did the sect survive ? What increased the number of hermits and monks ? 
When were the Egyptian monks organized ? By whom ? 



210 PEINCIPLES OF CHUECH HISTOEY. 

monks into a regular society. This father of Christian 
monks was blessed with pious and rich parents. He was 
so retiring and fond of seclusion when a child, that he was 
unwilling to mingle in the society of the youth of his own 
age, even at school. What education he received was 
given him in private. At twenty he was left an orphan, 
ignorant of the world, and without a friend or associate 
except one sister. Not long after the death of his parents, 
while at church, he heard these words — " If thou wilt be 
perfect, go sell that thou hast and give to the poor." Be- 
lieving these words were addressed to him personally by 
the Spirit, he proceeded immediately to obey the instruc- 
tion. Reserving only a small portion of his fortune for his 
sister, he sold all the rest, and gave the proceeds to the 
needy. Soon after this, being in church, he again heard 
words addressed to him — " Take no thought for the mor- 
row." He then recollected that he had taken thought for 
his sister's temporal welfare. This act he was persuaded 
was wrong, and, to rectify the error, he sold the portion 
he had reserved for his sister, and gave it to the poor. He 
then provided for his sister in a religious house. She ap- 
proved his course, and eventually became the head of a 
flourishing sisterhood. As he began, so he endeavored to 
carry out the literal precepts of the Gospel. The first fif- 
teen years of his retirement he spent among the tombs ; 
the next twenty, in a ruined castle, where serpents and 
wild beasts were his only companions. Here he battled 
with the world, the flesh, and the devil, and triumphed 



"Who was Anthony ? What is said of his youth ? What induced him to 
give his property to the poor ? What reservation did he make ? What 
did he afterwards do with his sister's portion ? How did he provide for 
his sister ? Did she approve his course ? Where did he spend his time ? 
In what way ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHUECH HISTORY. 211 

over them. His fame spread abroad over the land, and 
obliged him to show himself to a host of admirers, and to 
receive disciples. Before he came forth from this dismal 
seclusion, it was believed he must appear emaciated and 
haggard. But all who saw him were amazed at beholding 
him as vigorous, ruddy, and youthful as when he first 
retired. He was composed and polished in manner, and 
from his lips flowed the purest eloquence. To his other 
graces he is said to have added miracles. He abounded in 
love and good-will towards men, and delighted in reconcil- 
ing enemies and making them friends. Such a leader was 
eminently fitted to make that society popular of which he 
was called the father. His example was followed by mul- 
titudes, and the society continued to swell, till it became 
numerous in all the provinces of the empire. Even the 
emperors and bishops encouraged them. St. Martin, the 
celebrated bishop of Tours, erected the first monastic order 
in his diocese, and encouraged its members by his instruc- 
tion and example. The monks, to show their high esteem 
for the memory of their great episcopal patron, assembled 
to the number of a thousand at his funeral. But in Africa, 
the austerity of this order of Christians was carried to its 
greatest extent. Here the sultry climate and the debility 
of the atmosphere, tempted the body to seek repose and 
solitude. And as the climate was warm the year round, 
they suffered less from their solitary retirement and poverty 
than in other parts of the world. The order of monks 
was divided into several classes. One class was called 



"What is said of his fame ? How did he appear when he came forth from 
his seclusion ? What Christian graces had he ? Was his example popu- 
lar ? What high authority encouraged the monks ? What did St. Martin 
do ? What respect was shown him at his funeral ? Why did Africa abound 
in monks ? Into how many classes were the monks divided ? 



212 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

Coenobites : these lived together in fixed habitations, and 
made up a large community under one chief, whom they 
called father, or abbot, which is the same in the Egyptian 
language. Another class was called Eremites. They 
spent a wretched life in solitude, scattered abroad in caves, 
deserts, cavities of rocks, and protected from wild beasts 
by the shelter of miserable cabins. The Anchorets were 
yet more excessive in the austerity of their lives. They 
frequented the wildest deserts, without cabins or tents ; 
fed on roots and herbs that grew spontaneously from the 
earth ; and, without any fixed place of habitation, they 
wandered about, and wherever night overtook them, there 
they reposed the best they could. The Sarabites, yet 
another class, travelled from place to place, and gained their 
living by imposing on the ignorant and over-credulous 
people. They offered for sale the pretended relics gathered 
from the tombs of saints and other sacred places, and pro- 
fessed to work miracles. Many of this class of monks 
were extremely vicious and profligate. 

It was, no doubt, a subject of painful regret to Constan- 
tine, as well as to the large body of the faithful, that he 
had only just taken his seat on the imperial throne at 
Rome when he was called upon to suppress violent feuds 
among Christians, of whose religion he had become the 
bold and triumphant vindicator. Far more congenial was 
it to his nature to mingle in the strife of the battle-field, 
than in religious strife. Gladly would he lend his aid to 
the Church, in forwarding her works of peace, harmony, 



Describe the Coenobites. Describe the Eremites. Describe the Ancho- 
rets. Describe the Sarabites. What did. they offer for sale ? What can 
you say of their character ? What was a subject of painful regret to Con- 
stantine ? Which was most congenial to his nature, strife on the battle- 
field or in religion ? In what did he take pleasure ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 213 

and good-will among men. He would have rejoiced to 
find at least one place on earth where man did not quarrel 
nor contend ; to find the Church a brotherhood, where his 
fellow-men ceased to fight and learned to love. But he 
failed in this desire. His first essay in religious strife was 
made in the great schism created by the Donatists. This 
lamentable schism arose in the African Church. In the 
year 311, it became necessary to elect a bishop for Car- 
thage, in the place of Mausurius, who had died. A 
majority of the clergy and laity of that see elected Cascili- 
anus. It had been customary on former occasions, when 
a bishop of Carthage was to be elected, to notify the 
bishops of Kumidia of the election, and invite them to 
share in the solemn services of his consecration. But on 
this occasion the Xumidian bishops were not allowed to 
share in the solemn ceremony as usual. This neglect gave 
them serious offence, and to show their indignation, they 
assembled a council at Carthage, and summoned the new 
bishop before them, to give an account of his conduct. 
The fury of this flame of discord was increased by the in- 
fluence of several presbyters of the city, who were jealous 
because they were not elected bishop instead of Caacilianus. 
It was still further increased by Lucilla, a rich lady of Car- 
thage, who was the bitter enemy of the new bishop, because 
he had reproved her for her superstitious practices. She 
encouraged his adversaries in their opposition, by infusing 
her own extreme bitterness into their hearts, and by dis- 
tributing large sums of money among them as a reward 
for their unholy conduct. Encouraged in this way, the 



What -would have rejoiced his heart ? In what religious strife did he 
first engage ? Who were the Donatists ? What was the cause of their 
schism ? What is said of the Numidian bishops ? What increased this 
discord 3 Who was Lucilla ? What part did she take in this controversy ? 



214 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTOEY. 

ISTumidian bishops persevered in their course ; and in another 
council, at which seventy of their own number were pres- 
ent, they condemned Csecilianus, declared him unworthy 
of the episcopal dignity, and chose and consecrated Ma- 
jorinus, one of his deacons, to fill his place. By this 
unchristian act, they divided the Carthaginian Church into 
two factions, each having its bishop. The leaders of the 
opposition were two bishops, both of whom were named 
Donatus. One of them was bishop of Casa3 Nigra?, in 
Nmnidia ; the other, called by his party The. Great, was 
appointed by them to succeed Majorinus. From these 
leaders, the schismatic party took the name of Donatists. 
In the year 313, they brought their complaints before Con- 
stantine, and appealed to him to settle their difficulties. 
He very kindly listened to them, and appointed the bishop of 
Rome and three others to examine the charges they made 
against Crecilianus. These bishops obeyed the instruction 
of the emperor, and decided that Csecilianus was entirely 
innocent of the charges brought against him. The Nu- 
midian bishops were disappointed, and bitterly complained 
of injustice. They declared that it was a great indignity 
offered to them, that the judgment of only three bishops 
should be esteemed of more weight than that of their 
venerable council of seventy bishops. The emperor con- 
descendingly listened again to their complaints, and in 
order to remove every reasonable cause of dissatisfaction, 
he called a council to consider the same subject. This 



What effect had her conduct on the 1ST umidian bishops ? What council 
is mentioned? What was done by it ? What was the consequence ? Who 
were the leaders of the opposition ? What did they do in the year 313 ? 
What course did Constantine pursue? Whom did he appoint to examine 
their cause? Were they satisfied? What did they complain of? Did 
Constantine regard their complaint ? When did he assemble the council 
of Aries ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 215 

council assembled at Aries, in the year 314. It was com- 
posed of bishops from Italy, Germany, France, Spain, and 
three from Britain. After giving the subject a thorough 
examination, they decided also that Cascilianus was entirely 
innocent of the charges alleged against him, and that he 
was the lawful bishop of Carthage. Yet these Numidian 
bishops were not satisfied. They still objected to the pro- 
ceedings. Finally, they petitioned the emperor to examine 
the subject himself. With great patience, he indulged 
them even in this request, and heard them in full at Milan, 
in the year 316. His decision was the same as the two 
already given. This decision he had hoped would put an 
end to the trouble, and restore peace to the afiiicted Afri- 
can Church. But he was mistaken. They now found 
fault with him, and charged him with partiality in favor of 
Csecilianus. They were so rash and heady as to bitterly 
reproach him, though he had so often, and with so great 
patience, listened to their complaints. At length, his 
patience being exhausted, and being justly indignant at 
their wicked conduct, he deprived them of their churches, 
and sent their turbulent bishops into exile. This severe 
proceeding gave rise to violent commotions in Africa ; for 
the party of the Donatists were numerous and powerful. 
It was also the origin of a society of desperate outlaws, 
composed of a rough and savage population. They main- 
tained the cause of the Donatists by force of arms, and 
filled the African provinces with slaughter, rapine, and ter- 
ror. The supporters of Csecilianus were the special objects 

Of whom was it composed ? How many bishops were there from 
Britain? What was the decision of the council? Were they satisfied? 
What did the emperor next do ? How did they treat him and his decision ? 
How did he punish them for their obstinacy? What was the conse- 
quence ? What desperate society was organized in consequence ? What 
did they do ? Who were the objects of their fury ? 



216 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

of their fury, and they inflicted on them the most horrid 
outrages. These bloody and vindictive desperadoes were 
utterly fearless of death, and when captured and compelled 
to undergo the severest inflictions for their crimes, they 
bore them with wonderful fortitude and apparent indiffer- 
ence. Constantine was finally persuaded, by the governors 
of the African provinces, to grant liberty to all to enjoy 
their own opinion in regard to this vexed question. 

What did Constantine grant? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 217 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

CONSTANTINE AS A CHRISTIAN. — COUNCIL OF NICE. — ARIUS 
AND HIS HERESY. — EASTER, AND OTHER QUESTIONS, SET- 
TLED. 

Though Constantine had not made the doctrines and 
principles of Christianity his careful study, yet he evidently 
saw the great difference there was between it and heathen- 
ism. He had observed the mighty contrast there is between 
these systems of religion, in the character and lives of those 
who supported them. He had particularly marked this in 
the discipline of his army. His Christian soldiers he always 
found to be orderly and faithful. But the brilliant success 
and wonderful prosperity that attended his career as he 
followed the cross upon his banner, and the escape he had 
made from the dangers and secret plottings of his enemies, 
to which he had been exposed — these things probably did 
more towards inducing him so nobly to espouse the cause 
of Christ, than any conviction of its truth from the actual 
study of its principles. Having, therefore, through the 
assistance of the Head of the Church, become sole mon- 
arch of the empire, and possessor of the highest place of 
worldly power and honor, he zealously endeavored to honor 
the Being who had prospered him. He applied his genius, 
the authority of his laws, and the charms of his liberality, 

What knowledge had Constantine of Christianity ? What difference 
had he observed in the character of his soldiers? What chiefly influenced 
him to espouse the cause of Christ? What did he now endeavor to do? 

10 



218 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

in restoring and building churches, in supporting the 
clergy and Christian institutions. In this way he endeav- 
ored to gradually blot out paganism from his empire, and 
extend the blessings of Christianity to every part of it. 
His interest in the Church was not confined to these marks 
of his favor and encouragement. He also took an active 
part in its government. In all its external affairs he was 
the controlling spirit. He assembled councils, presided in 
them, appointed judges to decide upon the merits of ques- 
tions in religious controversy, and took the responsibility 
of settling differences when they arose between bishops, 
the clergy, or the laity. He also took it upon him to make 
the polity of the Church conform, as near as possible, to 
that of the State. He arranged Church affairs in harmony 
with political. The bishops of Rome, Alexandria, and 
Antioch had been called leaders. The sees presided over 
by these bishops were considered the principal ones. After 
his removal from Rome to Byzantium, he added it to the 
three principal sees, and made its bishop the fourth of the 
episcopal chiefs. He likewise changed the name of the 
city to Constantinople, calling it after his own name. 
These four bishops corresponded with four leading officers 
of the empire. They were afterwards distinguished by the 
Jewish title of Patriarch. Another order of bishops he 
distinguished by the name of Exarchs, corresponding also 
with a political order. After these, came those who were 
called Metropolitans, next Archbishops, and the last of the 
episcopal order were simply called Bishops. 



What means did he use ? What did he wish to do with paganism ? 
Did he take part in Church government ? In what way ? What did he do 
with Church polity ? What bishops were leaders ? To what city did 
Constantine move his capital ? What honor did he then confer on this see ? 
What change took place in the name of the city ? What is said of the 
riders of the Church ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 219 

The internal affairs of the Church were left to its spiritual 
rulers, and to the decision of councils. In the provincial 
councils, the interests of the Church throughout the prov- 
ince, religious controversies, differences of faith and prac- 
tice, the forms and rites of public worship, and other 
subjects of like nature, composed the matter for delibera- 
tion and action. But there were some Church matters of 
so general interest, that a provincial council could not well 
settle them. The whole Church was so deeply interested 
in them, that all parts desired to be represented in the 
council that should decide upon them ; and they were so 
important, that no province wished to take the responsi- 
bility of their decision. In order to determine upon these 
general affairs with satisfaction to all, the emperor assem- 
bled the first general council of the Church. It was held 
at Nice, the capital of Bithynia, in the year 325. The 
subjects of its deliberation, and its acts, render it truly 
famous. There were assembled at this council three hun- 
dred and eighteen bishops. The subjects that were then 
disturbing the peace and prosperity of the Church were 
thoroughly examined in all their bearings, and finally 
decided upon by a vote of the members of the council. 
Among these agitating questions, the most important was 
the heresy of Arius, which had already disturbed the 
Church six years. Arius was the father of this heresy, 
and the chief cause of the dreadful evils that arose from it. 
He was a learned and eloquent presbyter of Alexandria, 
and is said to have been disappointed in not being elected 



"Who managed the internal affairs of the Church ? What composed the 
subject of deliberation in the provincial councils? Could a provincial 
council settle all matters of dispute? How did the emperor meet this 
difficulty ? Where was the first general council assembled ? What sub- 
jects were examined ? Which was most important ? Who was Arius ? 



220 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

bishop of that see. Alexander was preferred before him, 
and consecrated bishop. Because of this defeat, he became 
the enemy of Alexander, and published those erroneous 
doctrines which caused so great commotion throughout 
the Christian world. He taught that Christ, the Son, was 
totally distinct from the Father ; that he was not God, but 
only a creature, though the first and noblest that God had 
made, and therefore inferior in nature and dignity to the 
Father. When these opinions were published, Alexander 
accused him of impiety and heresy, and in two councils, 
held at Alexandria, his doctrines were examined and con- 
demned, and by the last he was expelled from the commu- 
nion of the Church. When this sentence was pronounced, 
he withdrew from the city, but continued to spread the 
poison of his sentiments, and disturb the harmony of the 
Church. It was for the purpose of putting an end to this, 
and other causes of contention, that Constantine assembled 
the council of Nice. He hoped that here all these ques- 
tions would be settled, and all strife and bitterness arising 
from their agitation would be removed for the future. A 
fair opportunity was given to the members of the council 
to present their opinions and be heard. This privilege was 
granted to Arius also, and his party, and to any who 
favored his opinions. His opinions occupied the attention 
of the Council a long time, and excited a warm and ani- 
mated discussion. At last they were condemned as hereti- 
cal : Christ was declared to be the divine Son of God, and 
in his divinity to be equal with the Father. Then was 

What was the cause of his jealousy and schism ? To what extent did 
he disturb the Church ? What errors in doctrine did he hold ? How 
did Alexander, his bishop proceed? When condemned, what did Arius 
do? Why did Constantine assemble the first general council? What 
course was pursued at the council ? Did Arius have an opportunity to 
defend himself? How were his opinions treated ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 221 

framed that creed which has rendered this council the most 
famous of its kind, called the Jsttcene Creed. This creed 
was received by the whole Church as the true expression 
of its faith, and was never afterwards altered or amended 
by any general council. At the same time this vexed 
question was decided upon, other important differences 
were settled. The question when the festival of Easter 
should be celebrated — a question which had so long vexed 
the Church, and caused so much bitter controversy be- 
tween the eastern and western Churches — was settled. 
The practice of the Churches in Asia was abolished, and 
that of the West adopted everywhere. The subject which 
had been the cause of so much trouble in the diocese of 
St. Cyprian, in Rome and elsewhere, relative to restoring 
those to the communion of the Church who had denied 
Christ in time of persecution, was likewise composed. For 
a long time many Christians had labored to make the prac- 
tice of celibacy general among the clergy. On the occa- 
sion of this council, an attempt was made to have some 
action taken to require all the clergy to adopt this prac- 
tice. But it was defeated by the unanimous voice of the 
council. 

Besides these agitating questions, others of less moment 
were put to rest. Constantine presided in person, showing 
throughout the profoundest interest in all its proceedings. 
He encouraged a free and full discussion of the various 
subjects that occupied the attention of the council. It was 
held in the central and largest apartment in the palace. 



What creed was framed? What great doctrine confirmed? What de- 
cision was made on the Easter question ? What was done about the ques- 
tion of denying Christ ? . What was done about celibacy ? What is said 
of other questions ? Who presided at this council ? Did he encourage a 
free discussion ? Where was the council held ? 



222 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

On the day appointed for its opening, all who were to 
represent the Church were present in this room. Here 
they awaited the arrival of the emperor. When it was 
announced that he was approaching, all arose to receive 
him. His attendants and particular friends entered, and 
he followed, gorgeously robed in purple, and resplendent 
with pearls, gems, and gold. The attractions of his per- 
son were heightened by the majesty of his bearing, his com- 
manding figure— being taller and more robust than those 
around him — his condescending and courteous manner, the 
religious awe with which he was inspired, and his expression 
of blushing modesty. When he had reached the upper end 
of the hall, he remained standing until the bishops re- 
quested him to be seated. He then occupied a small chair, 
burnished with gold, prepared for his accommodation. 
The bishop who was seated at his right then addressed 
him in behalf of the assembled council, and paid him a 
glowing tribute of respect. In reply, he deliberately ad- 
dressed the assembly in terms expressive of confidence 
and respect, and signified his great pleasure in seeing 
the Church so well represented. The council then pro- 
ceeded to business. 

Under such royal patronage, the Church prospered ex- 
ceedingly. The restraints with which it had been hitherto 
bound, were now removed. Every human aid was afforded 
to enable it to advance in the conquest of a sinful world. 
The assistance which the great emperor rendered it, re- 
moved the odium which attached to the Christian name ; 



How did the bishops receive the emperor ? How was he robed ? What 
is said of his appearance? Describe the ceremony of opening the coun- 
cil. Who addressed the emperor? How did the emperor reply ? How 
did the Church succeed under this royal patronage ? What effect had it on 
the name of Christian ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 223 

and from an object of contempt, the follower of Christ 
became the most respectable personage of the land. As 
the pagan world saw the brilliant conqueror advance in 
his triumphs over all his foes, beneath the Christian ban- 
ner ; saw the disciplined hosts of their own religion, vastly 
superior in numbers, give way and yield before him, they 
were led to doubt the ability of their gods to render them 
essential aid and protection. This state of doubt, and the 
popularity, zeal, laws, and liberal expenditure of money 
used by Constantine in support of the cause of truth, pro- 
duced mighty results, extending the bounds of the king- 
dom of our Lord, and converting whole nations to Christ. 
In the last century, the work of conversion began among 
the Goths. Now it was carried on with great success, and 
multitudes were brought into the kingdom. 

Frumentius, a zealous and brave Christian teacher of 
Alexandria, went into the distant Ethiopia, and preached 
the Gospel with great success. He converted and baptized 
the king of the country and several of his nobles, and 
then, returning to Alexandria, he was ordained bishop of 
Ethiopia. 

By a singular circumstance, the religion of Christ was 
introduced into a province of Asia, now called Georgia. 
A Christian female was taken captive during the reign of 
Constantine, and carried to that land. Through the in- 
fluence of the holy life and conversation she exhibited, and 
the miracles she is represented to have performed, the king 
and queen were induced to forsake their idols, and embrace 



What effect had the triumphs of Constantine on the heathen mind ? 
What is said of the effects of the emperor's favors to the Church ? What is 
said of the progress of the Gospel among the Goths ? What is said of 
Frumentius ? Where was he made bishop ? How was Christianity intro- 
duced into Georgia ? By what means did she convert the king and queen ? 



224: PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

the truths of the Gospel. They then sent to Constantino- 
ple to obtain proper Christian teachers, to give them and 
their people instruction in the way of salvation through 
Christ. In this manner did the faith of the Christian dif- 
fuse itself among the nations. 

How did they obtain Christian teachers ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 225 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

GREAT WRITERS. — EUSEBIUS. ATHANASIUS. — HIS PERSE- 
CUTION. — CONSTANTINE FAVORS ARIUS. — DEATH OF ARHJS. 
DEATH OF CONSTANTINE. 

At this time the Church was blessed with the services of 
several writers of great ability. Among these, Eusebius, 
bishop of Cassarea, in Palestine, is justly celebrated. He 
was a favorite with the emperor, and corresponded with 
him. The honor was conferred on him of opening the 
council of Nice. His valuable history of the Church is 
familiar to every student of ecclesiastical history. Besides 
this, he was the author of other valuable works. 

Another writer of this age, who should be remembered 
with gratitude and honor through all time, was Athana- 
sius. He was one of the greatest lights the Church can 
boast, and his deserved fame will always distinguish him 
as one of the brightest ornaments with which she has been 
adorned. He received holy orders from Alexander, the 
bishop of Alexandria, and was his private secretary before 
he was made bishop. While he was thus employed, Alex- 
ander took him with him, as a companion, to the council 
of Nice. Here there was a demand for his learning, great 
abilities, and fortitude. He won the admiration of that 



What is said of the writers of this period ? Who was Eusebius ? What 
is said of him? What other writer is mentioned with highest respect? 
What is said of him ? From whom did he receive holy orders ? How was 
he at first employed ? Where did he go with his bishop ? 

10* 



226 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

august assembly, by his able vindication of truth and refu- 
tation of error. His influence had great weight in favor 
of the decrees that were passed. But in the use of his 
powers so successfully against the Arian heresy, he brought 
down upon him the hatred of that party, who ever after 
exerted themselves to the utmost to do him harm. Upon 
the death of Alexander, he was ordained as his successor 
in that see. In this high position, he employed much of 
his time and ability in defending the faith, especially the 
doctrine of the Trinity. But he did not long enjoy the 
peaceful possession of his office. For, about five years after 
the banishment of Arius and the condemnation of his doc- 
trines, a total change took place in the mind of Constan- 
tine relative to him and his heresy. From an enemy, he 
became his friend and the advocate of his principles. He 
no longer looked upon him as an enemy to the Church, 
but as a person who had suffered from the unjust resent- 
ment of his enemies. This change in his opinion was 
effected through the influence of a presbyter who supported 
the doctrines of Arius. This presbyter had been recom- 
mended to the favor of Constantine by the dying words of 
his sister Constantia. He succeeded in convincing the em- 
peror that Arius had been unjustly condemned, and that 
the severe treatment he had received was the result of the 
jealousy and malice of his enemies. Acting upon this con- 
viction, Constantine recalled Arius from banishment in the 
year 330. Being now restored to the royal favor, and 
allowed the liberty to advocate his principles, he used his 



How did lie distinguish himself there ? What was the consequence ? 
What happened on the death of Alexander ? Did he enjoy his office un- 
disturbed? What change took place in the mind of Constantine? How 
was this change brought about ? What did Constantine do ? What course 
did Arius pursue upon his restoration ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 227 

power, in conjunction with his party, which was powerful, 
to vex and oppress the supporters of the acts passed 
against him at the council of Nice. Athanasius was the 
particular object of his hatred, and suffered most from his 
resentment. Constantine, himself, severely tried his in- 
tegrity. For when he had repealed the laws that were 
passed against Arius, he required Athanasius to restore 
him to the communion of the Church, and to the official 
station he had occupied before he was expelled. This the 
conscience of the fearless bishop would not allow him to 
do. He promptly and positively refused to comply with 
the order. Charges were then brought against him by 
the Arians, to drive him from his diocese. But he con- 
vinced the emperor that their charges were without foun- 
dation, and he received in return an approval of his con- 
duct. Foiled in this attempt, his enemies laid another plot 
to accomplish their end. They persuaded the emperor to 
assemble a council at Tyre, to consider the charges pre- 
ferred against him. This council was composed of Arian 
bishops, and, of course, he could expect no justice from 
them. Yet he boldly appeared in his own defence, and 
proved that the witnesses who testified against him were 
not worthy of credit. He then requested them to post- 
pone their decision until he could bring additional wit- 
nesses. This request was denied him, and they became so 
furious towards him that he was in danger of suffering 
violence at their hands. His friends, seeing his danger, 
succeeded in rescuing him from their power, and bore him 



Who was the particular object of his hatred ? What did the emperor 
require of Athanasius ? Did Athanasius comply? How did the Arians 
then proceed? Did the emperor sustain him? What did the Arians 
next do? Of whom was the council composed? Did they allow him to 
bring in more witnesses ? 



228 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

away. This Arian council then proceeded, in his absence, 
to find him guilty, and condemn him. Having succeeded 
thus far, they next persuaded Constantine to send him into 
banishment. In this way they succeeded in forcing him to 
leave his attached clergy and people, and the responsible 
charge of which the Lord had made him overseer. For 
two years he was compelled to remain at a distance from 
his diocese, during which time it was deprived of Episco- 
pal care. Before this Arian council closed at Tyre, its 
members proceeded, in a solemn manner, to restore them- 
selves to the communion of the catholic Church. 

Though they had succeeded in driving the bishop of 
Alexandria from his see, yet Arius, their chief, was not 
restored. The people were as resolute and determined as 
their bishop, and refused to give him a place among their 
presbyters. When the emperor saw that he must fail in 
his attempt to have Arius restored to the diocese from 
which he had been exj)elled, he invited him to Constanti- 
nople, his own city, and ordered Alexander, its bishop, to 
admit him to the communion of the Church. This order 
filled the mind of that patriarch with the greatest sorrow. 
He was assured that Athanasius had pursued the right 
course, and that Arius was unworthy and unfit to be 
received into the body and fellowship of the faithful. 
Hence his mind was filled with the most painful apprehen- 
sions, should he be guilty of so great impiety as to receive 
a^ain into the communion of the Church a man who had 



What did they do in Lis absence ? What did they succeed in persuad- 
ing Constantine to do? How long was he banished from his diocese? 
What else did this Arian council do ? Was Arius restored to commu- 
nion at Alexandria ? Did the people sustain Athanasius ? What did the 
emperor do? What did he order the bishop of Constantinople to do? 
What effect had it on his mind ? Of what was he assured ? What was 
his opinion of Arias ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 229 

been the cause of so much agitation by his erroneous doc- 
trines ; and especially since his heresy, which he still 
cherished and propagated, had been condemned by a 
general council. Under this bitter trial his only help 
was in the arm of the Lord, who " heareth the cry of the 
righteous." Incessant prayer was made by the holy man 
and his faithful people, that God would send a timely de- 
liverance to his Church and preserve it from pollution. 
Arius had now arrived at Constantinople, and the day 
was fixed by the emperor when he should be received to 
the bosom and fellowship of the Church. His friends 
were full of joy at the prospect of the restoration, and 
were anticipating how much they should enjoy the tri- 
umph of their chief. Great preparations were made by 
them to celebrate the event in a manner becoming its 
importance. As the day drew near, their confidence and 
joy increased. In the mean while the prayers of the 
patriarch and of his devoted clergy and people grew 
more and more earnest, that the Lord would vindicate 
the honor of his Church. Nor were their prayers offered 
in vain. When all things were prepared for the celebra- 
tion of the event of his restoration, and the day was at 
hand, Arius was smitten with a dreadful and mortal 
disease, and suddenly died. This event was considered 
by the faithful as a special interposition of divine Provi- 
dence in behalf of the Church ; but by the Arians it was 
believed his death was caused by poison. His death oc- 
curred in the year 336. 

Where did he alone find relief? To whom did he and his people 
appeal ? Where was Arius at this time ? How did his friends feel ? 
What preparations did they make ? What further is said of the patriarch 
and his friends ? Did God hear them ? What happened to Arius ? Plow 
did the faithful look upon this event ? How did the Arians account for 
hi3 death ? When did it occur? 



230 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

The illustrious reign of Constantine stayed the hand of 
the persecutor in all parts of the empire, and the tide of 
prosperity and joy reached, in its flood, the shores of the 
British isles. The Church here had shared in the anguish 
of the long and terrible persecution under Diocletian. 
Many of the faithful had received the martyr's crown 
amidst the most excruciating torments, with unshaken 
fidelity. Her holy temples had been defiled and de- 
stroyed ; the voice of prayer and praise had ceased to be 
heard in many a consecrated place, and multitudes had 
fled for refuge to solitary places. But as soon as the 
reign of peace began, they came forth from the forest, 
the cave, and the mountain, whither they had fled, and 
with renewed zeal and courage labored to redeem the 
time they had lost, in extending the triumphs of the 
Gospel. They restored the ruined churches and erected 
new ones; they remembered with painful pleasure and 
with gratitude the deaths of their blessed martyrs, and 
paid to their memories a deserved tribute. They again 
celebrated their festivals and fasts, and performed, with 
clean hands and pure hearts, the sacred rites of our holy 
religion. This state of prosperity and peace continued in 
the early English Church until the poison of the Avian 
hevesy spvead westward from Egypt and reached these 
distant island shores. As elsewhere, so here, this pestilent 
and fatal error was the cause of great trouble and harm to 
the Church. 



What is said of the British Church ? What sufferings had it endured ? 
Where did the faithful find safety? When they came forth from these 
hiding-places what did they do ? What did they do to the churches ? 
How did they treat the memory of martyrs ? How long did this state 
of peace continue in the British Church ? Did the Arian heresy trouble 
it? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY 231 

The character of Constantine the Great, though illus- 
trious, is not destitute of dark shades. When he was 
firmly seated on his throne, the sole ruler of the empire, and 
without apprehension from any rival power, his character 
seems to have degenerated. He dimmed the glory of his 
reign by deeds of cruelty. The death of Lycinius, his 
brother-in-law, after he had conquered him and deprived 
him of power, has been recorded against him as an act of 
jealous cruelty. He has also been charged with the un- 
natural crimes of jealousy and cruelty to his own son. 
His last days were far from being happy or peaceful. His 
mind is represented to have been disturbed by frightful 
visions, and his palace haunted by avenging and terrifying 
spirits. Though he had been the instrument of God, of 
raising the Church from a state of indescribable suffering, 
affliction, and sorrow, to a state of peace, honor, and 
wonderful prosperity, yet he drew from that divine society 
which in many ways he had so highly honored, tears of 
regret for his errors and sins, which must tarnish the glory 
of his name while history endures. He remained a cate- 
chumen till near the close of his life, and was then bap- 
tized. He died at his villa near Nicomedia, in the year 
337, aged sixty-three years. 



What is said of the imperfections of the character of Constantine ? How 
did he tarnish the glory of his reign ? Of what crimes was he charged ? 
What is said of his last days ? How did his errors and faults affect the 
Church? How long did he remain a catechumen? Where did he die? 
When '? 



232 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

SONS AND SUCCESSORS OF CONSTANTINE. ATHANASIUS. 

DONATISTS SEVERELY DEALT WITH. CORRUPTION OP 

THE CHURCH. COUNCIL OP SARDICA ADVANCES THE 

SPIRITUAL POWER OF THE ROMAN BISHOP. 

Upon the death of Constantine, his three sons, Con- 
stantine Second, Constantius, and Constans, succeeded to 
the government. They each bore the title of emperor. 
Constantius ruled the eastern portion of the empire, and 
the western was divided between his brothers. They all 
followed the example of their father in the protection 
and encouragement of Christianity. They mutually en- 
deavored to make its triumphs complete over paganism. 
But neither of them possessed the remarkable abilities of 
his father ; and in their religious opinions there was an 
essential difference. Constantius was a zealous supporter 
of the Arian heresy, while Constantine and Constans were 
equally zealous supporters of the true faith expressed in 
the Nicene Creed. The consequences of this difference 
were deplorable ; for it gave rise to bitter hatred, tumults, 
treacherous plots, acts of violence and injustice. Opposing 
councils were held, and what was done by one was con- 



Who succeeded on the death of Constantine ? What portions of the 
empire did they each rule ? .What were their religious principles ? Did 
they possess the abilities of their father? What difference existed in 
their religious opinions ? What were the consequences ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 233 

demned by another. This state of things threw the Church 
into great commotion, and estranged the hearts of its 
members, while it drew down upon it the reproach of the 
heathen. 

In the midst of this confusion, the fearless and persecuted 
Athanasius stands forth as an object of peculiar interest. 
He was recalled from banishment, whither he had been 
sent by Constantine the Great. For nearly two years, his 
faithful flock had stood firmly to the faith, though they had 
during that time been deprived of the oversight of their 
chief shepherd. They were exceedingly rejoiced by his 
return. Their joy, however, was soon converted into 
sorrow. Their sainted bishop, who had already suffered 
so much in defence of the truth, enjoyed his restoration 
but a short time before his enemies took occasion to again 
disturb the happy union. At an Arian council held at 
Antioch, composed of ninety of their bishops, he was again 
condemned, and once more forced to leave his diocese. 
But an opposing council of one hundred bishops, sound in 
the faith, was held at Alexandria, by which he was de- 
clared to be innocent of the charges laid against him by 
the Arian council. 

In the mean while, the Donatists, in Africa, kept the 
Church in commotion in that country ; and that desperate 
band of outlaws who took their part continued to perpe- 
trate the most horrid crimes. They plundered and mur- 
dered, and committed other outrages, with unmerciful 
fury. Constans, to whose share of the empire Africa had 

What influence had this state of things on the Church ? What further 
is said of Athanasius? How long had he been absent from his Church? 
How long was he permitted to remain with his people ? What opposing 
councils are mentioned ? What were their numbers and decisions ? What 
further is said of the Donatists and their influence ? What of the out- 
laws? 



234: PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

fallen, endeavored to persuade the Donatists to agree to 
terms of peace with the catholics, and thus restore the 
Church again to peace and harmony. But the leading 
bishops of their party firmly and violently opposed every 
attempt at reconciliation. The emperor, therefore, deter- 
mined to pursue a more decided course, and adopt more 
stringent measures. He sent one of his generals with an 
army against the outlaws. He met and overpowered their 
forces in battle, which so humbled and dispirited the 
Donatists, that their power rapidly declined. Severe 
measures were employed to bring them in subjection to 
law and order. To avoid these severities, many of them 
sought security in flight. Others were taken, and sent 
into banishment, among whom was Donatus himself, their 
leader. 

The zealous, generous, and splendid support which Con- 
stantine and his sons gave to Christianity, made it popular. 
Then the tares sprang up amidst the wheat in much 
greater abundance than ever before. The desire of being 
popular, the prospect of getting worldly honor, the hopes 
of gaining wealth, all served to bring multitudes into the 
Church who were unworthy to be numbered with the 
faithful. Indulgence in pride, in the vain pomp and 
vanity of the world, and in unholy ambition, were the sad 
fruits of such accession. The severe discipline of earlier 
times, which had served successfully to keep the Church 
pure, was now greatly relaxed, and did its office partially 
and poorly. Those who were esteemed great, were too 



What attempt did Constans make to reconcile religious differences ? 
What course did their leading bishop pursue ? How did Constans humble 
them ? "What was the effect on the Donatists ? What was done with Do- 
natus and others? What made the Church popular? What was the re- 
sult ? What is said of the severe discipline of earlier times ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHTTECH HISTOKY. 235 

often permitted to commit sins with impunity, which, in 
times of general and more severe discipline, would have 
received the severest censures of the Church. In the 
mean while, the poor and humble were required to submit 
to all the severity of former discipline. 

The mingling of heathen fictions with the doctrines of 
the Gospel, resulted in an excessive veneration for the 
departed saints. Sometimes the Lord's Supper was admin- 
istered at their tombs. Prayers were offered for the 
blessed Virgin Mary and other saints, but they were not 
yet offered to them. The image of the Saviour was erect- 
ed in some churches, but no adoration was paid to it. 

Before this time, the bishop of Rome had been considered 
the first in rank; and now his wealth, grandeur, and 
power rapidly increased. His spiritual power and dignity 
remained, as heretofore, on equality with other bishops. 
~No prelate admitted that he had or could receive any 
more or better authority from the bishop of Rome than 
from any other lawful bishop. Even his acknowledged supe- 
riority in rank was now about being rivalled by another 
prelate, whose circumstances were similar to those of his 
own, and which had secured for him his temporal promo- 
tion. This was the patriarch of Constantinople. It was 
the pride of Constantine, and his successors in the East, to 
make the new imperial city in every way equal to Rome. 
They considered it the heart of the empire, and around it 
they wished to throw all the grandeur, dignity, and im- 
portance possessed by the imperial Rome. An important 

What were those high in place permitted to do ? How were the poor 
and humble treated ? What caused an excessive veneration for departed 
saints ? What superstitious practice was indulged at their tombs ? What 
respect was paid the blessed Virgin ? What is said of the Saviour's image ? 
What of the bishop of Kome ? What of his spiritual power? What bishop 
now rivalled his temporal power? How did this happen ? 



236 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

part of this dignity consisted in raising its bishop to an 
equality in rank with the Roman. While at first he 
ranked as the fourth in order of the patriarchs, he 
now ranked above those of Alexandria and Antioch, and 
next to Rome. This promotion of the bishop of Constan- 
tinople excited a feeling of jealousy in the minds of the 
other three, and especially in that of the Roman, who 
began to fear that his rank would be equalled or surpassed 
by that of the prelate of the new royal see. Nor was this 
spirit of emulation and desire to be the greatest confined 
to the highest in rank. It prevailed to a sad extent 
throughout the whole body of the clergy. Very many, of 
every degree, became proud and ambitious of station. 
This evil was greatly promoted by the addition which the 
first Christian emperor made to the benefices of the clergy. 
The generous support which was given them, tempted to 
an indulgence in luxury and ease. As the bishops became 
rich and worldly, their ambition increased to enlarge the 
extent of their authority. They gradually deprived the 
laity of the rights they had enjoyed from the times of the 
Apostles, until they finally withheld from them all voice in 
Church affairs. They also invaded the rights of the pres- 
byters, and deprived them of much of their lawful power 
and authority. 

The council held at Sardica, in the year 347, took the 
first step towards granting the bishop of Rome a superior 
degree of spiritual dignity and power over other bishops. 
This beginning of spiritual superiority was the result of a 

How did the patriarch of Constantinople rank ? What effect had this 
on the mind of the bishop of Eome ? Was this ambition confined to bish- 
ops ? What circumstance encouraged this ambition? What was the object 
of episcopal ambition ? Of what did they deprive the laity ? What did 
they do to the presbyters ? What memorable act was done at the council 
of Sardica ? When was this council held ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 237 

deep and fervent sympathy for the persecuted Athanasius. 
When he was driven from his diocese the second time, 
one hundred bishops assembled at Alexandria, pronounced 
him innocent, and the rightful bishop of that see. This 
decision, however, failed to restore him. He then appealed 
to Rome. In answer to this appeal, Julius, who was then 
bishop of that city, decided with the hundred bishops that 
Athanasius was innocent. But this opinion was not suffi- 
cient to effect a change in the state of the persecuted 
bishop. It needed the approval gf a general council. 
Accordingly, one was assembled at Sardica, which it was 
intended should be general. But a schism that occurred 
in the council prevented its being general. At this coun- 
cil, however, the decision given by that at Alexandria and 
by Julius was confirmed by a vote of a majority of the 
bishops. It members were divided into two factions; 
part were catholics, and part Arians. They acted sepa- 
rately. The Arians, being exceedingly incensed against 
Julius because he had pronounced Athanasius innocent of 
the charges they had made against him, proceeded to 
excommunicate him for having made such a decision. On 
the contrary, the sympathy of the orthodox portion of the 
council, which was much more numerous, was so strong in 
favor of the decision of Julius, that, in the heat of their 
excited feelings, they not only sustained his decision, but 
granted him in their haste a power which, in subsequent 
years and calmer hours, they would gladly have undone. 
They gave any bishop the privilege, when he had been 

"What gave rise to this beginning of papal supremacy ? What additional 
trials of Athanasius are mentioned ? What avail was the opinion of Julius ? 
What was the object of the council of Sardica ? What prevented it from 
being general ? What decision was confirmed? How was the council di- 
vided? What incensed the Arians? Of what hasty act and error were 
the orthodox guilty ? 



238 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

condemned by his neighbor bishops, to appeal to Julius ; 
and they empowered him to order a new trial, or not, as 
he saw fit. They also granted the bishop of Rome the 
privilege, when any bishop had been condemned or de- 
posed, to order the case to be reconsidered before another 
one was consecrated in his place. 

After this council had closed its session, Athanasius 
once more returned to Alexandria and the discharge of his 
episcopal duties. At the same time, other banished 
bishops, who had been driven away from their dioceses by 
the Arians, were restored, and the Church enjoyed a short 
season of quiet from the influence of this evil. While in 
session, the council of Sardica approved the Nicene Creed. 
The Arians were so far influenced by its decision, as to 
acknowledge that the charges they had preferred against 
Athanasius were groundless, and to confess the injustice 
with which he had been treated. 



In what way did they elevate the spiritual power of the bishop of Borne ? 
What happened to Athanasius after this council ? What is said of other 
banished bishops ? What other act was done by this council ? What con- 
fession was made by the Arians ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHUECH HISTOKY. 239 



CHAPTER XXX. 

CIVIL WAES. — ATHANASIUS. — JULIAN THE APOSTATE. — 
JOYINIAN. — AKIANS. — VALENTINIAN AND VALENS. 

While the Church was undergoing these trials of inter- 
nal agitation, bloody and desperate deeds were acting 
between the emperors. Constantine II. began his reign 
by an act of inhuman cruelty. Many persons, in whose 
veins flowed royal blood, and who, he feared, might aspire 
to his throne, though they were his relatives, and innocent 
of any such design, he caused to be put to death, his 
imperial brothers co-operating. Ambition was added to 
cruelty, and he soon began to trespass on the rights of his 
brother Constans, and forcibly seized portions of his part 
of the empire. This brought on a war between the two 
brothers, in the year 340, in which Constantine was killed. 
By this event, the whole of the West came under the rule 
of Constans. But he had not long enjoyed the govern- 
ment of his enlarged territory, when he suffered a tragical 
death. Magnentius, one of his generals, rebelled against 
him, proclaimed himself emperor, and barbarously mur- 
dered him in his bed. This barbarous act was soon re- 
venged upon the rebellious general. It called down upon 
the head of its bloody perpetrator the wrath and ven- 



What is said of the conduct of the emperors? What of the cruelty of 
Constantine II. ? How did he treat his brother emperors ? What was his 
end ? What was the fate of Constans ? Who was Magnentius ? 



240 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

geance of Constantius, the remaining brother. He was 
driven to the severest straits. With a few soldiers around 
him, he fled for his life. But he was unable to escape. 
His guard of soldiers turned against him, and were about 
to deliver him into the hands of the emperor. With this 
intention, they surrounded the house where he had taken 
shelter with a few of his friends and relatives. Finding it 
impossible to escape, he first slew his friends that were 
with him, and then killed himself with his own sword, in 
the year 353. This event made Constantine undisputed 
ruler of the whole empire. But he exercised his power in 
a cruel and oppressive manner. The Avians were also 
emboldened by this circumstance, since the sole ruler of 
the empire was of their party. Their hatred towards the 
orthodox, and especially towards Athanasius, instead of 
abating, actually increased at every defeat they sustained. 
Having the power in their hands, they renewed their 
persecution of the great champion of the ISTicene Creed. 
At two of their councils, held, the one at Aries, and the 
other at Milan, they once more condemned him. But the 
faithful and fearless patriarch disregarded their decisions, 
and refused to forsake his charge again, unless the emperor 
expressly commanded him to do so. He continued in the 
faithful discharge of his duties, until one day, when pre- 
paring to celebrate a festival in church, a body of soldiers 
suddenly rushed in to make him prisoner. But the pres- 
byters and monks who were present assisting their bishop, 
rescued him, and conducted him to a place of safety. He 

What was his end ? Where was he driven ? What did his guard of sol- 
diers do ? How did he escape their hands ? Who was now the sole ruler ? 
How did he exercise his power ? How did the Arians conduct ? How did 
they treat Athanasius? What two councils did they hold? What was 
their object? How did the patriarch treat their decisions ? To what vio- 
lence was he exposed ? How was he delivered? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHTJKCH HISTOEY. 241 

then retired into the deserts of Egypt. Yet his enemies, 
inspired with deadly malice, pursued him to his solitary 
retreat. To make sure of their prey, they offered a reward 
to any person who would deliver him into their hands. 
The hermits, however, with whom he had taken refuge, 
and who kept him concealed, could not be induced by any 
bribe to betray him. But to relieve them from the danger 
to which they were exposed on his account, he refused any 
longer to receive their protection, and boldly ventured, at 
the risk of his life, to seek his own safety, relying on the 
aid and support of that good Providence, which had so 
often delivered him from the hands of his enemies. He 
fled into a part of the desert that w-as entirely solitary, 
and far from any human habitation. To this lonely retreat 
he was followed by one faithful servant, w T ho supplied him 
w 7 ith sufficient food to maintain his life, though in doing so 
he exposed himself to great danger. In this deep solitude 
he spent his time in writing for the encouragement of the 
faithful, in defence of the truth, and in confounding the 
supporters of error. 

The Arians now believed themselves firmly established 
in power. They agreed that the first exercise of this 
power could not be better used than in destroying the 
Nicene Creed. They accordingly planted their batteries 
against this strongest bulwark of the catholic faith. To 
accomplish its destruction the more surely, they prepared 
a creed to supply its place, which they so worded as to first 
satisfy themselves, and which they believed would be re- 



What then did be do ? Did his enemies still pursue him ? Who con- 
cealed him ? Did he continue to receive their protection ? Where did he 
finally conceal himself? Who followed him to his solitude ? How did he 
spend his time? What hope sustained the Arians? What did they at- 
tempt to do ? How did they proceed to destroy the Nicene Creed ? 

11 



24:2 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

ceived by the catholics, under the pressure of their superior 
power. In publishing this creed, they professed an earnest 
desire that it would succeed in bringing about a reconcili- 
ation of the opposing parties, and once more restore peace 
to the Church. Their plan and course of procedure were 
cheerfully approved by the Arian emperor Constantius, 
and a council was called at Araminum, in Italy, to consider 
the matter. It assembled in the year 359, and was at- 
tended by four hundred bishops. The majority of this 
council, either deceived by the ambiguous language used 
in the new creed, or terrified by the threats of the emperor 
and the Arians, gave their assent to it. But it was not 
long after their timorous and hasty act, that they who had 
been deceived or frightened into it discovered what a 
mistake they had made. They were helped in discovering 
their error by the boasts which the Arians made Over their 
triumph, and the different construction they put on their 
new creed from what was expected. At the earliest op- 
portunity, they united in restoring the ISTicene Creed to 
the place it had occupied as the true expression of the 
catholic faith, confessing that they had acted most un- 
advisedly. 

Constantius ruled the empire alone for several years, 
but finding its burden too great, he chose his cousin, 
Julian, now the only surviving member of the Constantine 
family, as his associate. He gave him the title of Csesar, 
and appointed him ruler of the provinces of Gaul. Julian 



"What plan did they adopt? Was it approved by Constantius? What 
council was held? When? How many bishops were present? What 
did the majority do ? What influenced them ? Did the orthodox who 
had been deceived regret this step? Did the Arians exult? What did 
the orthodox now do ? Did Constantine rule the empire alone? Whom 
did he associate with him ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 243 

being thus invested with the government of a part of the 
empire, aspired to the dignity of emperor. With an army 
faithful to his interests, he marched upon Constantinople. 
Constantine advanced to meet him, but died on the way, 
before the two armies had measured their strength in 
battle. This event occurred in the year 361, and Julian 
was immediately proclaimed emperor at Constantinople. 
He had been baptized and educated in the Christian faith, 
and had served as Scripture reader in the church at Ni- 
comedia. But he Ibecame estranged from the faith in 
which he was educated, and finally became an avowed and 
subtle enemy of Christianity. This change in his faith 
was attributed to the conduct of his imperial cousin, aided 
by heathen craft and philosophy. His cousins,- through 
jealousy, had murdered his father, his brother, and other 
relatives. This awakened in his mind hatred and disgust 
towards their principles, which was inflamed by the learned 
and crafty heathen, who flattered his vanity, and pre- 
dicted great things for himself and his empire. When he 
ascended the throne, he appeared desirous to deal moder- 
ately in matters of religious faith. But he soon showed 
how thoroughly he hated the religion of Christ. The 
churches were deprived of their revenues, and those who 
had aided in pulling down the heathen temples were 
commanded to assist in rebuilding them again. He dis- 
abled Christians from holding any office, civil or military, 
and took from them other privileges which free citizens 
were allowed to enjoy. This course encouraged the hea- 



Was Julian contented with his title and province ? How did he repay 
Constantius ? Did he gratify his ambition ? What change took place in 
his religious principles ? What was the cause of this change ? What 
barbarous acts had his cousins done ? What course did he first pursue ? 
How did he commence his persecution ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 24:4: 

then with the hope of regaining all they had lost under 
the reign of the Christian emperors. In some places 
they became very bold, and began to resort to their old 
habit of persecution. They tortured, imprisoned, and 
even put Christians to death. But Julian had given them 
no authority to commit these outrages, and he endeavored 
to prevent them. The history of ten violent persecutions 
had taught him that Christianity could not be exter- 
minated in this way. And it may have been repugnant 
to his feelings to shed blood for religion's sake. Yet it 
was the prolbundest wish of his heart that the terrible 
struggle now going on between Christianity and heathen- 
ism would end in the triumph of the latter. There is no 
doubt he used the best means to accomplish his wish that 
lay in his power. " Divide and conquer," was his maxim. 
He endeavored to weaken the Church by creating division 
and discord in its body. Thus it would help to destroy 
itself. In the mean time he would bring to bear upon it all 
the learning, art, and sophistry the heathen could com- 
mand. In tins way he hoped to succeed in overturning 
and destroying the kingdom of our Lord. In the prose^ 
cution of his design, he encouraged heretics and schis- 
matics to kindle afresh the flames of strife and hatred 
among Christians, and so weaken and disgrace the 
Church. The Donatists, whom Constantine had sent 
into exile because of their turbulent disposition and shame- 
ful violation of law and order, were now recalled and 
restored to liberty. They immediately renewed the con- 

What encouragement did this afford the heathen? To what extremes 
did they go in some instances ? What "was Julian's opinion of persecution 
to death ? What was his highest wish ? Could he have used better 
means to effect his end ? How did he endeavor to weaken the Church ? 
What was his plan to destroy Christianity ? How did he treat the Dona- 
tists ? Did they renew the conflict ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 245 

flict which they had been compelled to stop, and once 
more involved the African Church in strife and commotion. 
He now conceived a bold plan to demonstrate that Chris- 
tianity was a falsehood. The prophecies concerning Jeru- 
salem and the Jews he knew taught that the city and 
temple could not be rebuilt in his day. He therefore 
resolved to prove that this prediction was false, by having 
the temple rebuilt. In prosecuting this plan, he invited 
all Jews, wherever they had been dispersed, to assemble 
on Mount Zion, where their fathers had worshipped in 
ancient times. The person whom he appointed to execute 
this daring and profane design was Alypius, the former 
governor of Britain. Every means w>s used by the 
emperor and the Jews to make the attempt successful. 
But the wicked project met with an awful defeat. While 
Alypius was engaged in vigorously pushing on the work, 
and the governor of the province was lending his aid, 
balls of fire, bursting forth from the earth in terrible fury 
close to the foundations, burned the workmen, drove them 
from their labor, and compelled them to entirely abandon 
the attempt. 

At the beginning of his reign, Julian gave permission 
to those bishops who had been banished by the Arians to 
return and exercise their office as they had formerly done. 
This decree having reached the ears of Athanasius in his 
solitary retreat, he immediately returned to Alexandria, 
after an absence of seven years. His people were surprised 



"What plan did lie adopt to prove Christianity false ? "Whom did he 
employ to conduct the work ? Did his project succeed ? What happened 
to the workmen ? What miracle prevented the workmen from executing 
the plan ? What privileges did Julian grant to the banished bishops ? 
Upon the receipt of this news, what did Athanasius do ? How long had 
he been absent ? How did his people receive him ? 



246 PRINCIPLES OF CHUKCH HISTORY. 

and overjoyed at his sudden appearance among them. 
Soon after his return he assembled a council at Alex- 
andria, and confirmed the Nicene Creed. He chose this 
way of expressing his gratitude to God for enabling him to 
triumph over all his foes, and for the preservation of His 
sacred truth. He now applied himself with renewed zeal 
and devotion to the spiritual interests of his diocese. By 
the powerful and faithful efforts he made, he drew away the 
heathen from their temples and kept them always empty. 
This called forth against him the bitter complaints of their 
priests. They informed Julian how successful he was in 
attracting the votaries of the gods from their temples, and 
prayed him to interfere in defence of his deities and re- 
ligion. This information roused the hatred of the emperor 
against Athanasius, and he took revenge by sending him 
into banishment. The sainted bishop was again compelled 
to fly for his life. But the trial of parting with his people 
was extremely painful. They wept about him overwhelmed 
with sorrow, and would scarce allow him to depart. In 
this trying hour the greatness of his soul displayed itself. 
He bowed with meek submission to the Divine will, and 
addressed his afflicted clergy and people with words of 
encouragement and hope. He exhorted them to be faith- 
ful, and assured them that the Lord would still enable him 
to triumph, and that he should be again restored to them. 
In his conflict with Christianity, there was another 
powerful weapon which Julian did not fail to use. He 
encouraged the most learned of the heathen to write with 

How did lie employ himself? What success had he among the hea- 
then ? What effect had this success on the priests ? What did they do ? 
What effect had the complaint on the mind of Julian? What course did 
he pursue towards Athanasius? What is said of the parting scene be- 
tween him and his people? How did he encourage them? What other 
powerful weapon did Julian use to destroy the Church ? 



PKINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 24:7 

all their ability in support of the pagan religion, and to the 
injury of the doctrines of Christ. In this work he set the 
example, by using his own pen with all the venom of his 
hate, and all the vigor of mind he could command. 
Having been both a Christian and a pagan, and studied 
both systems of religion, he considered himself the most 
competent champion that could enter the lists against the 
doctrines of the cross. His writings were confuted by a 
number of able Christian writers, the most noted of whom 
were Apollonius, Gregory of Kazianzen, and Cyril of 
Jerusalem. They triumphantly exposed his errors and 
vindicated the truth. Yet for the short time that Julian 
was permitted to vex the Church, he probably inflicted 
upon it more harm than any of his predecessors. The 
triumph of the heathen, however, was short, and their 
disappointment great. They fondly believed that the 
gods had raised up Julian to restore to the empire the 
ancient religion in all its glory. They flattered the mind 
of the emperor with this vain conceit, and he believed it. 
But God had otherwise ordained. While engaged in war 
with the Persians, he received a mortal wound in his side 
from a javelin. It is said that when he felt himself 
wounded, he caught some of the blood in his hand, flowing 
from his side, and, throwing it in the air, exclaimed, 
" Take thy fill, Galilean (meaning Christ) ; thou hast 
conquered me, but still I denounce thee." When he thus 
blasphemed the Saviour, he uttered a thousand curses 
against his gods because they had forsaken him. He has 



Did he write against Christianity? "What made him think himself able 
to use this weapon? What writers confuted him ? Did he harm the 
Church much ? Did the heathen triumph long ? What delusion had they 
cherished? Were they disappointed? What was his end? Describe his 
conduct in his dying hour. How did he treat his gods ? 



248 PRINCIPLES OF CHUECH HISTORY. 

always been distinguished by the name of the Apostate. 
His death occurred in the year 363, after having reigned 
one year and eight months. 

On the death of Julian, Jovinian succeeded to the 
empire. He was a Christian, sound in the faith, and 
zealous in its support. His reign lasted only a few 
months, but during this short period the Church was 
greatly blessed by his fostering care. He annulled the 
laws passed by Julian against Christians, and, being a firm 
supporter of the Nicene Creed, he used his influence 
against the Arians. His sympathy and favor were con- 
spicuous towards those bishops who had suffered from the 
Arians, and especially towards Athanasius. He restored 
this venerable father to his see, and, as a mark of his 
highest favor, he received a visit from him at Antioch. 
This zealous support given to the true faith greatly dis- 
heartened the Arians, and caused them to rapidly decrease 
in numbers and power. 

But the scene was once more changed, when, upon the 
death of Jovinian, in the year 364, Yalentinian, and his 
brother Valens, succeeded to the government of the 
empire. Yalentinian, emperor of the West, was a zealous 
supporter of the Nicene faith, and, through his influence, 
all the Arians under his rule, a few churches excepted, 
forsook their heresy. But Yalens, in the East, was an 
equally zealous Arian. With an equal zeal, he labored to 
revive the failing cause of his party. By his patronage, 



By what name has he always been distinguished ? When did he die ? 
Who succeeded him ? What is said of the character of Jovinian ? How 
did he treat those bishops who had been persecuted by Arians ? What did 
he do for Athanasius ? What effect had this course on the Arians ? Who 
succeeded Jovinian ? What can you say of the characters of his succes- 
sors ? Did the Arians get power again ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 24:9 

they regained sufficient power to enable them for the last 
time to afflict the catholics. 

The venerable Athanasius, among others, now suffered 
the last stroke of malice which their expiring strength, 
allowed them to inflict. He was forced to leave his 
diocese, and conceal himself. He found a secure though 
melancholy retreat, in the tomb where the body of his 
father reposed. In this solemn place he lived four months. 
Then the touching and continued entreaties of his clergy 
and people, with the threats of the inhabitants of Alexan- 
dria, induced Yalens to restore him. He was no more 
disturbed in the discharge of his sacred duties, but re- 
mained in the peaceful possession of his see until the Lord 
brought him relief from the cares, trials, and afflictions of 
mortal life, and took him to possess and enjoy the rich 
and abundant treasures laid up for him in heaven. To no 
one, since the days of the Apostles, has the term saint 
been applied with more propriety than to him. 



Did Athanasius suffer again? Where did he conceal himself this time? 
How long did he remain here? What induced Valens to restore him? 
Was he ever disturbed again ? Does he deserve the title of saint? 

11* 



250 PRINCIPLES OF CHUKCH HISTORY. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

BLOODY CONTEST FOR THE SEE OP POME. — PILGRIMAGES, 
PELICS. — ELEVATION OF THE HOST. — AUGUSTINE. — FALL 
OF DONATISTS AND ARIANS. 

The see of Rome had become a tempting object to 
human ambition. "When its episcopal chair was left vacant 
by the death of its bishop, disgraceful scenes sometimes 
occurred in consequence of the struggle between the rival 
claimants for its possession, The wealth and power pos- 
sessed by its bishop at this time ; the splendor that adorned 
his church and see ; the pomp he displayed, and the lux- 
ury in which he lived ; the deference that was paid him, 
and the influence he exerted ; all served to charm and 
captivate the minds of those Christians who admired more 
the display of worldly greatness than the humble life of 
the meek and lowly Jesus. 

One of the most disgraceful of the conflicts for the 
possession of this see occurred upon the death of Liberi'us, 
in the year 366. Two rival candidates presented them- 
selves, supported by their respective parties. One party 
elected Damasus to succeed Liberius ; the other, Ursinus, 
a deacon. This double election resulted in schism, violent 



What is said of the see of Eome ? What occurred upon the occasion of 
a new election of a bishop ? Why was this see an object of ambition ? 
What occurred in 366 ? What rival candidates strove for the prize ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 251 

commotion, conflict, and bloodshed. Neither party would 
yield to the other. The heat of the factions rose to such a 
pitch of fury that a civil war actually broke out in Rome. 
The supporters of Damasus besieged the church where 
Ursinus and -his party were assembled ; they broke down 
the doors, tore off the roof, and then engaged in a bloody 
battle, in which one hundred and thirty-seven persons of 
both sexes lost their lives. The combat ended in the 
triumph of the party of Damasus, and he accordingly be- 
came bishop of Rome. In the year 372, the Roman pre- 
late received from Valentinian another degree of spiritual 
power. He made a law which placed in his hands the 
power to examine and judge other bishops. This unwise 
and unlawful attempt to destroy that equality of spiritual 
power which had existed from the beginning among the 
highest order of the ministry, was approved by a council 
of bishops assembled at Rome in the year 378. 

The seeds of evil and corruption now sprang up in great 
profusion, which in later times entirely overshadowed, and 
for many ages shrouded in darkness, the light of the glori- 
ous Gospel. It began to be esteemed, by many, a work 
that the Lord highly approved to go on pilgrimages to the 
Holy Land, and to the tombs of the martyrs and saints. 
On their return, they brought away quantities of earth and 
dust. This was freely distributed by the returning pil- 
grims among their friends, and was believed to possess the 
virtue of keeping off evil spirits. Attempts were made 



"What was the result of this double election ? What did the supporters 
of Damasus do ? How many of the party of Ursinus lost their lives ? 
Which party triumphed ? What event occurred in 372 ? Was this act of 
Valentinian approved ? What is said of the progress of corruption in the 
Church ? What is said of pilgrimages ? What did the pilgrims bring 
from the Holy Land ? What did they do with these mementoes ? 



252 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

by the monks to impose upon the ignorant people. They 
peddled false relics, which they professed to have obtained 
at the tombs of martyrs and saints, and other sacred 
places. By means of these relics they pretended to per- 
form miracles, and by artifice they often succeeded in 
deceiving the people. 

Two other errors, dreadful in their consequences to the 
Church, made their appearance in this century. The one 
was, that Christians might use deceit and falsehood, if 
they believed that by these means they could promote the 
interests of the Church. The other error was a belief that 
God would approve the act, if Christians punished heretics, 
Jews, and heathen, with penalties and tortures. So soon 
did the members of Christ forget the torments, pain, and 
anguish which their fathers had suffered ; so ready were 
they to follow the horrid example of Jews and heathen, 
which the faithful had abhorred and condemned as the 
offspring of Satan. 

A superstitious practice also had its rise in this century, 
which at last polluted the Church with the crime of 
idolatry. It consisted in holding up before the people 
the bread and wine that had been consecrated for the 
Holy Communion, to be gazed at and venerated. This 
was practised by a few churches, and finally resulted in 
the worship of 1he Host or consecrated wafer, in the 
Church of Rome. 

The opinion now became jDrevalent that celibacy, severe 
mortification of the body, long and rigid fastings, were 
especially pleasing to God, and would obtain for those 

What imposition was practised by the monks ? What two great errors 
now 1 appeared in the practice of Christians ? Did Christians advocate 
the persecution of those in error ? What had they forgotten ? What su- 
perstitious practice is mentioned ? In what error did it finally result ? 
What was now the opinion about celibacy ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 253 

who practised them a higher degree of perfection here and 
of glory hereafter. 

Many who were zealous to preserve the primitive purity 
of the Church, when they saw the progress of superstition 
so fearfully advancing, boldly raised their voices against it. 
But their laudable efforts failed to arrest the evil tendency. 
Among these defenders of primitive simplicity, Jovinian 
occupies the most prominent place. He taught that all 
those who kept the solemn vows made by them, or in their 
behalf, in baptism, and lived according to the rules of piety 
and virtue laid down in the Gospel, would receive the 
highest degree of reward. These opinions at first were 
approved by many Christians. But the Church of Rome 
condemned his teaching, and the emperor Honorius taking 
up the matter, banished Jovinian to the island of Boa. 

Andrreus, of Syria, severely censured the corrupt man- 
ners and practices of the clergy. But his censures were 
expressed with so great severity and perseverance as to 
give serious offence, and he was punished with excommuni- 
cation. His own life was an example of the strictest con- 
formity to the principles of Christian virtue. His ardent 
zeal not being attended with prudence, produced an oppo- 
site effect to what he intended. The extreme severity of 
his censures caused general disgust, and made those his 
bitter enemies whom he had hoped to reform and bless. 
If his course had been less violent, his reflections on the 
unholy practices of the clergy, coupled with his virtuous 
example, might have resulted in great good. His expul- 

Was there an effort made to stay the progress of superstition and cor- 
ruption ? Did the effort succeed ? What is said of Jovinian ? What did 
he teach ? Were his opinions approved ? How did the Roman Church 
regard them? What did the emperor Honorius do? What is said of 
Andrseus ? Did he accomplish any good ? Why not ? How could he 
have done good ? 



254: PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

sion from the communion of the Church, and his indescre- 
tion, finally led him into grievous error and sin. He 
became the father of a sect, and thus contributed his 
ability to dissolve the unity of the Church. Among other 
novelties, he taught that God has a human form. He suc- 
ceeded in inducing many to follow him and embrace his 
errors. 

Fortunately for the Church, the Arians were so much 
weakened by internal divisions, that they inflicted much 
less harm upon it than they would have done had they 
been united. These Arian sects viewed each other with 
the bitterest aversion. The first of 'them in numbers and 
power were the genuine Arians, who boldly and without 
reserve held that the Son was not begotten of the Father, 
but like other men was simply created out of nothing. 
The other Arians, wishing their doctrine to appear less 
revolting to the orthodox, modified and softened the ex- 
pression of their opinions. The semi-Arians taught that 
the Son was similar to the Father in His essence, but that 
this essence was not a part of His nature, having been 
only granted Him as a privilege. The chiefs of this party 
were George of Laodicea and Basilius of Ancyra. The 
Eunomians were so-called from Eunomeus, their principal 
leader, a man of much learning and ability. They be- 
lieved that the Son did not partake of the essence of the 
Father, and was unlike him in other respects. These were 
the principal of the Arian sects. But there were many 
others of less numbers and power, differing from each 



Did he remain true to the faith ? What errors did he teach ? Did he 
lead many astray ? What is said of the Arians ? How did the Arian 
sects treat each other? What was the doctrine of genuine Arians ? What 
of semi-Arians ? Who were the chiefs of this party ? Who were the Euno- 
mians ? What did they believe ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH* HISTORY. 255 

other with various shades of opinion, yet agreeing upon 
the whole in the denial of Christ's divinity. 

The controversies caused by the Arian heresy kept the 
Christian world in a state of continual foment, and pro- 
duced extreme views, in some instances, on the part of its 
enemies. Apollinarus, bishop of Laodicea, was an eminent 
example of this kind. He had rendered the religion of 
Christ the most important services, and possessed distin- 
guished merit. But in the heat and violence of his oppo- 
sition to Arianism, he suffered himself to be carried into 
an opposite extreme. He denied the perfect humanity of 
our Saviour, — taught that He had not a human soul, and 
that the Divine nature was so blended with His humanity, 
that it suffered with it the pains and death of crucifixion. 
His doctrine won the favor and support of a great number 
in the eastern provinces of the empire. But being assailed 
at the same time by the combined attack of the decrees of 
the emperors, the decisions of councils, and the writings 
of the learned, it soon gave way and rapidly declined. 

Marcellus, bishop of Ancyra, is charged with having 
taught that the Son and Holy Ghost were not persons dis- 
tinct from the Father ; that they were but a part of His 
own essence, and as soon as they had fulfilled their office 
they would again return into the Father. 

Photinus, his disciple, bishop of Surmium, in the year 
343, boldly propagated his errors on this subject. They 
were kindred to those of Marcellus, only more offensive 
both to the orthodox and Arians. His views were con- 



What were trie results of Arian controversies ? Who was Apollinarus ? 
Into what error did his zeal carry him ? Was his error popular ? What 
great combination of power opposed him? What was the result? Who 
was Marcellus? What were his errors? What were the errors of Photi- 
nus? When did he propagate them ? 



256 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

demned by several councils, both catholic and Arian ; he 
was degraded from his episcopal office and sent into exile, 
where he died in 372. 

Macedonius, bishop of Constantinople, one of the most 
distinguished semi-Arians, was deposed by a council held 
in Constantinople in the year 360, and banished. While 
in exile he declared, with great freedom, sentiments which 
he had previously concealed, and started a sect called Ma- 
cedonians, after his own name. His chief error was a 
belief that the Holy Ghost was " a divine energy, diffused 
throughout the universe, and not a person distinct from 
the Father and the Son." A stop was put to this new 
sect by the council of Constantinople, held in the year 381, 
called the second general council. One hundred and fifty 
bishops were assembled at this council. They confirmed 
the Nicene Creed, and added to it sufficient to fully and 
clearly declare the doctrine of three Persons and one 
God, which before was not so expressly defined. They 
proceeded to mark and brand with infamy all known 
heresies, and determined several other matters which they 
believed the welfare of the Church demanded. They also 
advanced the bishop of Constantinople, because of the im- 
portance of his see, next in rank to that of Rome. The 
ancient Gnostic errors had not yet entirely disappeared. 
Though they had ceased to be popular, and had lost their 
power to excite the public mind, yet, like a candle sinking 
low in its socket and about to expire, gives out a struggling 



By whom were his errors condemned ? What became of him ? What 
is said of Macedonius ? Where was he sent ? What did he do there ? 
What was his chief error ? How was his sect defeated ? What was done 
by the second general council ? Where was it held ? When ? What 
action was taken upon all heresies ? What about the see of Constanti- 
nople? What is said of Gnostic errors? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 257 

flash of light, so was it with Gnosticism. It broke out 
afresh in Spain through the influence of Marc, a citizen of 
Memphis, in Egypt. He introduced it into this country 
at the beginning of the fourth century. Though he gained 
but few converts at first, yet they increased until they were 
a numerous body, embracing some persons eminent for 
their learning and piety. The most noted of them was. 
Priscillian, a layman of high birth, learned and eloquent. 
Several bishops united in preferring charges against him, and 
he with his followers was banished from Spain by the empe- 
ror Gratian. But the same prince, some time after, re- 
stored him to his country and privileges. He was accused 
the second time in the year 384, before Maximus, by whose 
order he and some of his followers were put to death at 
Treves. But the act was condemned as barbarous by the 
bishops of Gaul and Italy. Christians had not yet learned 
the cruel practice of putting men to death for heretical 
opinions, nor did they believe God could approve the 
horrid practice. The errors of Priscillian, however, sur- 
vived him, and gave the bishops of Spain and Gaul much 
trouble down to the sixth century. 

Near the close of this century, the blessed Virgin be- 
came the subject of a violent controversy in Arabia and 
the countries adjacent. The controversy gave rise to two 
parties, each taking extreme views. One of them main- 
tained that after the birth of our Lord she ceased to retain 
her virginity, but became the mother of other children. 

Where did they break out afresh ? When was Gnosticism introduced 
into Spain ? Who was the most noted Spanish Gnostic ? What was 
done with him ? By whom was he banished ? By whom recalled ? By 
whom condemned and executed ? Had Christians yet learned to put men 
to death for errors in faith ? Did his errors survive him ? What contro- 
versy arose about the blessed Virgin ? What different opinions were ex- 
pressed about her ? 



258 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

The other party condemned this opinion as horribly pro- 
fane, and esteemed her above all other mortals, believed 
her immaculate, and worshipped her as a goddess. They 
believed it necessary to seek her favor and protection, and 
accordingly offered sacrifices and oblations to her. 

Many other sects and new errors arose in this century, 
but they are too numerous and of too little importance to 
deserve the attention or excite the interest of the reader. 
While new sects were continually appearing, others disap- 
peared. The two that had caused more trouble and done 
more injury to the Church than any others which had yet 
appeared, were now rapidly declining and about to pass 
away forever. These were the Donatists and the Arians. 
They made their appearance nearly at the same time, and 
they were doomed to perish about the same time. After 
Julian restored the banished Donatists to the same privi- 
leges as the other citizens of the empire, they flourished 
greatly till near the close of the century. The number of 
their bishops is said to have increased to four hundred. 
But near the close of the century they suddenly and 
rapidly declined. This event was brought about chiefly 
by a division among themselves. They were greatly 
weakened by the division, and were thus easily over- 
come by the powerful efforts made on the part of 
the orthodox to accomplish so desirable an end. The 
chief agent in hastening this sect to an end, next to 
their own division, was St. Augustine, afterwards bishop of 
Hippo, in Africa. This great and good man attacked them 



What is said of other sects and errors ? What two powerful sects were 
now declining ? What is said of the Donatists ? What of the number 
of their bishops ? What happened to them near the close of the century ? 
What conspired to ruin the Donatists ? What is said of St. Augustine ? 
How did he contribute to the overthrow of the Donatists ?. 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 259 

with all his ability of learning, of argument, of zeal, and 
influence. He exposed, in a powerful manner, their dan- 
gerous and seditious principles, in his writings, in his public 
discourses, and in his private conversation. And he so 
successfully diffused the warmth and vigor of his own 
spirit into others, that he animated the whole Church 
against them. All these means combined, resulted in their 
speedy and utter overthrow. Other celebrated writers 
aided St. Augustine in his labor of vindicating truth and 
exposing error. Among these, the following are the most 
celebrated : Basil, surnamed the Great, on account of his 
eminent abilities and labors; John, bishop of Constanti- 
nople, surnamed Chrysostom, or the golden mouthed, for 
his extraordinary eloquence ; Hilary, celebrated for his able 
defence of the doctrine of the Trinity, written in twelve 
books ; Lactantius, who was the most eloquent Latin 
writer of the century; Ambrose, bishop of Milan, who 
distinguished himself both against the Arians and heathen ; 
and Jerome, a monk of Palestine, who won great distinc- 
tion by his translations of the sacred Scriptures from their 
original tongue into Latin, by his commentaries on the 
Scriptures, and by his letters. But the glory of most of 
these illustrious lights reached their zenith in the following 
century. 

The fourth century also witnessed the end of the Arian 
power as a sect. They likewise rapidly declined near the 
close of the century. When Theodosius, surnamed the 
Great, became emperor of the East, he exerted himself in 
every way to bring their turbulent influence to an end. 



"What influence did lie exert upon the Church ? By what writers was 
he aided ? Who was Basil ? Chrysostom ? Hilary ? Lactantius ? Am- 
brose? Jerome? In what century are these writers most conspicuous? 
What brought down the Arian sect ? When ? Who was Theodosius ? 



260 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

His attempt was eminently successful, and they suddenly 
and rapidly passed away. Their power was so completely 
broken and their body dispersed, that in a short time a 
few remained attached to their errors ; and these few, as if 
conscious of their error and of the harm they had done, 
shrank away from the abodes of civilized man, and flick- 
ered out their existence among the barbarous tribes of 
Goths and Vandals. 

Where did the Arians expire ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 261 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

THEODOSIUS THE GREAT. — ARIANS AND DONATISTS OVER- 
THROWN. PAGAN IDOLATRY EXTINGUISHED AT ROME. 

STATE OF THE CHURCH AT THE CLOSE OF THE FOURTH 
CENTURY. 

In the year 375, Valens and Gratian ruled the empire. 
Valens being killed in a great battle with the Goths at 
Adrianople, the administration of the whole empire de- 
volved on Gratian. But finding the burden too great for 
him to bear alone, he chose Theodosius as his associate. 
This new emperor was a native of Spain. His father had 
been a Roman general, and had unjustly suffered death at 
the hands of Gratian. The choice was the best that could 
have been made. He was possessed of remarkable powers 
of mind, a man of towering genius, of great wisdom, and 
of most noble character. He was free from that vain-glory 
which so often tarnishes the fame of men in power. He 
possessed remarkable prudence, and managed his enemies 
with consummate skill. In prosecuting the war they were 
waging against his dominions, he pursued a cautious and 
vigilant policy. He seized every opportunity to exhaust 
the power of his enemies and to win over their leaders. 



Who ruled the empire in 375 ? What happened to Valens ? Did Gra- 
tian bear the weight of the whole empire? Whom did he choose as his 
associate % Who was Theodosius ? What can you say of his character ? 
What can you say of his prudence ? How did he manage his enemies 1 



262 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

Four years after he became emperor, by pursuing this 
policy he procured terms of advantageous peace. He in- 
vited Athanaric, the chief of his Gothic enemies, to visit 
his capital and partake of his hospitalities. The invitation 
was accepted, and the chieftain was amazed at the gran- 
deur and magnificence of the city and palace. When he 
had viewed all, he exclaimed, " Truly, the emperor of the 
Romans is a god upon earth, and the presumptuous man 
who dares lift his hand against him, is guilty of his own 
blood." Soon after this event, he died. To his remains, 
the most respectful honors were paid by Theodosius, which 
so moved the hearts of the Goths that they joined the Ro- 
man army, vowing to him, while he lived, their faithful 
services. In this way he converted his most dangerous 
enemies into friends and allies. While the disturbances in 
the East were thus quelled by the able administration oi 
Theodosius, the Western portion of the empire was thrown 
into great commotion by civil war. Gratian was murdered 
at Lyons, through the instigation of Maximus, who had 
risen in rebellion against him. This rebel leader was pro- 
claimed emperor, and the widowed empress, Justin a, with 
her young son, Valentinian II., and her daughter, Galla, 
were compelled to flee for safety to the protection of Theo- 
dosius. The emperor, being a widower, married the beau- 
tiful and accomplished Galla. He then marched with a 
hardy and well disciplined army to meet Maximus. On 
the banks of the Save he met and defeated the usurper 



How long did it take him to secure terms of peace ? How did he treat 
Athanaric ? How was the Gothic chief impressed with Kome ? How was 
his body treated after death ? How did Theodosius make friends of his 
enemies ? What took place at this time in the western part of the empire ? 
What is said of Maximus? What did Justina do ? What was the result? 
Where did the hostile armies meet? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 263 

and executed him. Rising superior to sordid ambition, he 
nobly associated the young Valentioian II., with him in the 
government. But the young emperor soon fell a victim to 
traitors, and Theodosius became the sole ruler of the em- 
pire. He was a Christian from principle, and his acts were 
rendered the more deserving of honored fame by the pure 
and sublime principles of the gospel which pervaded his 
mind while he performed them. There was but one noted 
act from the multitude he performed that to the eye of 
man deserved a painful regret and deep and sincere repen- 
tance. This was a deed of cruel vengeance executed on the 
people of Thessalonica. The bloody transaction to which 
we refer, was brought about by some trilling matters. 
Several trivial disputes had risen between the governor 
and people that had occasionally angered the latter. This 
spark of discord was suddenly blown into a flame of popu- 
lar fury by the imprisonment of the peoples' favorite 
charioteer in the circus. No sooner had this been done 
than the citizens rose under their gale of passion and mur- 
dered the governor and several other officers of govern- 
ment, and dragged their dead bodies through the mud 
in the streets. This barbarous and atrocious act was 
reported by the political minister, Rufinus, in such false 
and exaggerated colors, that the emperor became incensed 
beyond measure, and immediately ordered a most terrible 
vengeance to be poured upon the wicked inhabitants. 
While a great number of them were assembled in the 



What became of Maximus ? What did Theodosius then do ? What 
happened to Valentinian ? What is said of the Christian character of Theo- 
dosius? What event in his life caused painful regret? Where did it 
occur? What were the circumstances that caused the bloody deed? Of 
what brutal crime were the citizens of Thessalonica guilty ? Whose re- 
presentation incensed the emperor ? 



264 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY - . 

circus, they were slain by his order, to the number of 
several thousand. This act he afterwards deeply regretted, 
and, with a true penitent heart, submitted to the sentence 
of St. Ambrose, his bishop. He was required to suffer 
penance for the space of eight months, during which time 
he was not permitted to partake of the Holy Communion. 
It was through the zealous co-operation of Theodosius 
that the power of the Arians and Donatists was so effectu- 
ally destroyed. Another event that occurred during his 
reign, and essentially through his influence, has contributed 
to make his name illustrious. This was the final and com- 
plete overthrow of the pagan religion at Rome. For the 
purpose of accomplishing this grand achievement, he visited 
Rome, and in union with Valentinian II., whom he had ap- 
pointed ruler of the West, and who resided there, he 
planned and executed this illustrious act. They put an 
end to all sacrifices offered to idols ; they demolished the 
idols ; and abandoned the pagan temples to ruin and con- 
tempt. From this time may be dated the final and com- 
plete overthrow of heathen idolatry at Rome. This 
was a glorious triumph for Christianity, to see the 
idols of the imperial city utterly abolished, and the 
pagan Rome christened as the Lord's from henceforth. 
When the heart of heathenism was thus changed, the 
whole system received its death-stroke, which it only 
required time to feel at its extremities. This was 
the last important act of Theodosius the Great. Soon 



In what manner did he take vengeance on the wicked inhabitants? 
Did he regret the act? What did his bishop, St. Ambrose, require of 
him? By what means was the power of the Arians and Donatists sub- 
dued? What other great and glorious event occurred? Who united with 
him in the overthrow of paganism ? What became of the idols and tem- 
ples? What is said of this event? What effect had this event on the 
whole pagan system ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 265 

after it was accomplished he died, in the year 395, aged 
sixty years, and having reigned sixteen years. His death 
was deplored by the whole empire, even the heathen join- 
ing in the sorrow, though their religion had suffered so 
severely at his hands. "With him expired the glory of the 
Roman empire, for he was the last of its illustrious rulers. 
He appointed his two sons, Arcadius and Honorius, his 
successors, and divided the empire between them. Upon 
their accession they pursued with zeal the course marked 
out for them by their illustrious father in matters of re- 
ligion. They exerted their influence and power, with suc- 
cess, in extending the dominion of Christ on earth, and in 
suppressing the religion of the heathen. 

The fourth century is a remarkable period in the history 
of the Church. Never were its trials greater, or its tri- 
umphs more glorious. It was buffeted by tempests so 
mighty and so terrible, that if it had been a mere human 
society, it must inevitably have become a wreck. From 
an object of loathing and contempt, emerging from the 
waves of the last and most terrible persecution, covered 
with the blood of its martyrs, it became an object of royal 
patronage, — fostered, nourished, adorned, and richly en- 
dowed by the munificence of one of the most powerful 
monarchs that ever ruled the Roman empire. No sooner 
had it supplanted the religion of the idolater in the empire 
and became the religion of the state, than its great adver- 
sary was suffered to afflict it with the most violent commo- 



When did Theodosius die? How was his death received ? What ex- 
pired with him ? Who succeeded Theodosius ? What course did they 
pursue ? What can you say of the fourth century as an historic period ? 
What of the trials of the Church ? What of its prosperity ? By what 
munificence was it aided ? What afflictions fell upon it after it became the 
religion of the State ? 

12 



266 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

tions in its own bosom. The powerful sects of the Arians 
and Donatists waged a most fearful war against it through 
nearly the whole century. Other minor sects, too numer- 
ous to mention, came to their aid. Yet its great Head 
and Captain suffered not its foes to triumph. He permitted 
them to demonstrate the truth of his prophecy that "The 
gates of hell shall not prevail against it." 

After the death of Lycinius, Christians suffered but 
little persecution from the heathen in the empire. In the 
remoter provinces they occasionally felt the smart of hea- 
then malice. Before Athanaric, king of the Goths, had 
been subdued by the genius and policy of Theodosius, he 
persecuted for a time that part of his nation that had be- 
come Christian with great severity. In Persia, the Magi 
and Jews succeeded, by false charges, in inflaming the 
mind of the king, Sapor II., against Christians. They 
made him believe that Christians were enemies to his 
government and the secret emissaries of the Roman em- 
peror. By this means he was induced to persecute them 
three different times. The last of his persecutions was 
most severe, lasting forty years, and was conducted with 
terrible cruelty. It terminated in the year 370. 

It is wonderful that the Church not only survived these 
conflicts, but actually made progress. Its course was con- 
tinually onward. In all the provinces of the empire, 
churches without number were erected, and many of them 
were magnificent buildings. Numerous barbarous and un- 



What is said of the influence of the Arians and Donatists ? What 
truth did the enemies of the Church demonstrate ? When did Christians 
cease to be persecuted ? What is said of Athanaric ? How did Chris- 
tians fare in Persia? What induced Sapor to persecute Christians ? How 
long did his last persecution last ? When did it end ? What is said of 
the progress of the Church under these difficulties ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 267 

civilized nations were Christianized. The influence of 
Constantine and the other Christian emperors, seconded 
by the zealous labors of bishops and clergy, conspired to 
produce this rapid extension of the kingdom of our Lord. 
Nor was the culture of the mind neglected. A high re- 
gard was paid to learning. Schools were encouraged and 
their number greatly increased ; libraries were endowed 
and multiplied, and the study of the fine arts and philoso- 
phy was patronized with a noble and generous spirit. The 
character of sermons lost much of that simplicity which 
adorned them in earlier times. The style was more 
studied, polished, and elegant than it had been. The 
sermons were generally delivered with more care and 
more in harmony with the rules of Grecian eloquence, 
while the hearers, in many places, were encouraged in ex- 
pressing their approbation by clapping their hands and by 
other modes common in popular assemblies. 

In their zeal to attract and convert the heathen to the 
faith of Christ, many of the bishops and clergy were led 
to depend too much upon human instrumentality and 
too little upon God. They prepared a pompous ritual, — 
wore rich and gorgeous robes, mitres, and tiaras, — the 
service was embellished with wax tapers, processions, 
images, and gold and silver vases. This kind of display 
was common in heathen temples, and being used in the 
temples of the Lord, they believed the heathen would be 
attracted by it and so drawn into the Christian church. 

The public services of the Church consisted of prayers 



What other improvements attended the progress of the Church ? What 
change took place in the character of sermons? What is said of their 
style ? What of their delivery ? In what did the people indulge ? On 
what did the bishops and clergy depend more ? Why ? What efforts at 
display were made ? Whom did they imitate ? 



268 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

and hymns, the chanting of the Psalms of David, reading 
portions of the sacred Scriptures, and sermons addressed 
to the people, followed by the Holy Communion, which 
was administered as often as every Lord's day, and in 
some places more frequently. The order of services was 
regulated by liturgies, which increased in numbers by the 
addition of new nations and tribes to the kingdom of our 
Lord. For it was left with the bishop and his clergy to 
frame liturgies to suit the nature of the times, laws, and 
peculiarities of the country in which they were used. 

A shade of difference still prevailed between the Eastern 
and Western churches in the observance of one important 
Christian festival. In the East, the birth and baptism of 
our Saviour was celebrated as one festival on the 6th day 
of January, and called Epiphany. On the contrary, the 
Western church observed them separately, and celebrated 
the festival of the Nativity on the 25th of December. 
The number of ordinary festivals was greatly enlarged by 
the addition of new saints, each additional saint requiring 
a festival day to honor his memory. The festivals and 
fasts were celebrated with greater pomp than formerly, 
and with less spiritual benefit. They encouraged indo- 
lence and lifeless formality, and, what is worse, they were 
made in some instances the occasion of sensual indulgence. 

The fast of Lent was not yet confined to a fixed number 
of days. But the festival of the Resurrection, or Easter, 
continued fourteen days, and was celebrated with the high- 
est expression of joy. 

How often was the Holy Communion administered ? What regulated 
the order of services ? Who framed liturgies ? Were there many ? What 
difference still existed between the Eastern and Western churches ? How 
did they differ in the observance of our Lord's nativity? What is'said of 
the number of ordinary festivals ? What can you say of the manner of 
celebrating the festivals of the Church ? What is said of Lent and of Easter ? 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 269 

The sacrament of baptism was administered on the vigils 
of Easter and Whit-sunday by the bishop or by a presby- 
ter appointed by him, as was the practice in the previous 
century. The fonts were placed in the porch nigh the 
entrance of the church, to indicate that as the door is the 
place of entrance to the church edifice, so is baptism the 
door of entrance into the kingdom of Christ. All who 
had not been baptized in infancy were required to remain 
as catechumens until well instructed in the doctrines of 
Christ before they could receive the sacrament. Penitents, 
catechumens, and those Christians who were believed to 
be under the influence of evil spirits, were not permitted 
to partake of the Eucharist. A veil of mystery was thrown 
round this sacrament by the clergy, to inspire in the minds 
of believers a spirit of reverence, and to excite, in those 
who had not partaken of the sacred mystery, an earnest 
longing to enjoy the privilege. 

In this state we find the Church at the conclusion of the 
fourth century. Its triumphs over all its foes; its con- 
tinued growth amidst the combined and deadly opposition 
of Jews, infidels, and heathen ; the fact of its growing 
with renewed vigor after being deluged with the fires of 
persecution ; the firmness with which it endured the dan- 
gerous shock of powerful internal foes, — all these things 
combined must have impressed the minds of intelligent 
unbelievers with the utter futility of any human attempts 
to destroy the Church, or even arrest its progress. The 
heathen power in the empire was now so greatly reduced 
that it could do but little harm; the Jewish malice still 



When was baptism administered? Where were the fonts placed? 
What is said of catechumens ? Who were denied the Communion ? Why 
did the clergy throw a veil of mystery over the Holy Commuuion ? What 
effect had the trials of the Church and its progress on unbelievers ? 



270 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

existed, but their power was impotent, — and those power- 
ful sects which at one time rivalled the Church in numbers, 
were humbled and almost extinguished. There was a 
powerful array of learning, eloquence, and ability on the 
side of truth, sustained by the influence, power, and mu- 
nificence of two Christian emperors, following in the steps 
of their illustrious father, Theodosius the Great. Thus 
amply equipped for the battle, we may reasonably expect 
to see the army of the faithful, under the Captain of our 
salvation, advancing to yet more glorious conquests in a 
world's redemption. 



What is said of the power of the heathen and Jews ? "What of powerful 
sects ? What abilities did the Church possess at the close of the fourth 
century ? What may we expect from the exercise of this ability ? 



INDEX. 



Adrian, the emperor, 73. 

JSlia, the city of, 76. 

African Church, 188, 208. 

Alban, St., 197. 

Alexander, bishop of Alexandria, 220. 

Alexander, bishop of Constantinople ; his trouble with Arius, 228. 

Alexander Severus, 116, 119. 

Alexandria, city of, 77. 

Alypius employed to rebuild Jerusalem, 245 

Ambition in the Church, 179. 

Ambrose inflicts penance on the emperor Theodosius the Great, 

264. 
Ammonius, 106. 
Anacletus, bishop of Eome, 50. 
Anchorets, 212. 
Andrasus of Syria, 253. 
Angels, title of bishops, 61. 
Anicetus, bishop of Rome, 90. 
Annianus, first bishop of Alexandria, 32. 
Anthony, St., his history, 209 ; fifteen years among the tombs ; 

twenty years in a ruined castle, 210; his fame draws many to 

follow his example, 211. 
Antioch, Church of, 66. 
Antoninus Pius, 84. 
Apollinaris of Hierapolis, 104. 
Apollinarus of Laodicea, 255. 
Apollonius confutes Julian III., 247. 
Apollos, his eloquence, 38. 
Apologies, 96, 115, 172. 
Apostasy, 187. 



272 PRINCIPLES OF CHTJKCH HISTORY. 

Apostles, the chief order of the ministry ; their powers and du- 
ties, 51 ; not confined to any diocese; govern the churches they 
found, 46. 

Aquila at Ephesus, 38. 

Arabia visited by Origen, 123. 

Arabian Church, 188. 

Arabians, sect called, 133. 

Arcadius, son of Theodosius, 265. 

Arians assemble in council at Antioch, 233 ; confess their injus- 
tice to Athanasius, 238 ; recover their lost power, and perse- 
cute, 240 ; try to destroy the Mcene Creed, 241 ; assemble in 
council at Araminium, 242; are weakened by divisions, 254; 
empire at close of 4th century, 258, 260. 

Aristides, 74. 

Arius Antoninus, 75. 

Arius, the father of Arianism, 209 ; his character and ability ; 
disappointed ; his error condemned in two councils, and he is 
excommunicated ; spreads his errors, 219 ; defends himself at 
Nice, 220 ; dies a miserable death, 229. 

Aries, the Church of, 171 ; the Council of, 215. 

Ascension, 55. 

Ascetics, their habits, 94. 

Asia Minor, Church of; invaded by Goths, 186. 

Athanaric, the guest of Theodosius, 262 ; a persecutor, 266. 

Athanasius, at Council of Nice, 225 ; condemned by an Arian 
council, 227; is banished, 228; recalled; remarkable vicissi- 
tudes of his life, 233, 237, 240, 246, 249. 

Atheists, Christians called, 85. 

Augustine, St., 258. 

Aurelian, 170. 

Baptism, the door ; to whom administered, 52, 53 ; two set times 
for baptism each year, 92 ; the preparation for it, 92 ; of her- 

' etics, 155; controversy about, 156; of infants, 161; practised 
always, 161; by whom administered, 163; when, 161; the 
novelties of Tertullian and the Elxaites about it, 164, 165; near 
the close of the 4th century, 269. 

Barcochebas, the false Messiah, 76. 

Barnabas, companion of St. Paul, 33, 34 ; with Mark goes to Cy- 
prus, 35. 



INDEX. 273 

Basil the Great, 259. 

Basilides, 113 ; a Spanish bishop deposed for apostasy, 187. 

Basilins of Ancyra, 254. 

Bede, Venerable, 196-198. 

Beryllus and his errors, 131. 

Bishops, their office, 46 ; the name takes the place of apostle, 68 ; 

powers and duties in the 2d century, 77; three chiefs, 125; 

equal in spiritual power, 157, 258 ; their pride and ambition, 

236; invade the rights of the laity, 236; those banished by 

Arians restored, 238. 
Blandina, a martyr, 100. 
British Church established, 69 ; suffered persecution, 196 ; enjoys 

peace, 230. 
Byzantium changed to Constantinople, 218. 

Caecilianus, 213. 

Caligula favorably disposed to the Church, 29. 

Callistus, bishop of Eome, his errors and pomp, 159, 160. 

Canons, apostolic, 53. " 

Caracalla tries to murder his father, 116 ; murders his brother, 
and becomes sole emperor; is murdered in turn, 118; his 
cruelty to the Alexandrians, 138. 

Catacombs, 170. 

Catechumens, 53, 269. 

Celibacy popular, 125; its evils, 134; advocated by the clergy 
generally, 252. 

Celsus, the first great anti- Christian writer, 80; his attack, 81. 

Century, fourth, most trying to the Church, 265. t 

Certificates from martyrs and confessors abused, 148. 

Christians at fault, 75 ; in the Boman army, 94 ; prepare for per- 
secution, 96 ; forbidden to make proselytes, 115 ; in contro- 
versy, 172; commanded to burn the Scriptures, 192; intoxi- 
cated with joy, 203 ; the name becomes most popular, 218. 

Christmas, 54. 

Chrysostom, 259. 

Church, always militant, 47; of Jerusalem, 50; buildings, 61: 
at the beginning of second century, 65 ; impregnable, 79 ; be- 
coming popular, 80 ; Eastern and Western, 89 ; purified by fire, 
95 ; has peace, 119 ; had a variety of creeds, 53 ; alarmed at 
the conduct of celibates, 134; persecuted three hundred years, 
12* 



274 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

184; its preservation and progress the greatest miracle, 185; 
its glorious state at the close of the third century, 188 ; of Car- 
thage divided into two factions, 150 ; disturbed by opposing 
councils, 156 ; has many tares, 159 ; greatest trials in the fourth 
century, 265 ; suffers little after the death of Lycinius, 266. 

Church edifices in great numbers and magnificence in the fourth 
century, 266 ; its state at the close of fourth century, 267. 

Circumcision obsolete, 34 ; the door, 52. 

Clement of Alexandria, 104; of the first system of papal suprem- 
acy, 128. 

Clement of Eome's testimony of James the Just, 29 ; his suc- 
cessors, 50 ; as a writer, 61. 

Clergy become proud, 236 ; imitate heathen pomp and vanity, 267. 

Coenobites, 212. 

Cologne receives the Gospel, 171. 

Commodus, 14. 

Confessional, its rise, 180. 

Constans acts against the Donatists, 233 ; is murdered, 239. 

Constantine becomes emperor of the "West, 20 ; sees a luminous 
cross and vision, defeats Maxentius, enters Eome in triumph, 
203; defeats and kills Lycinius, becomes sole emperor, 206; 
his interest in the Church, 214, 215; his patience with the 
Donatists, 215 ; sees great contrast between his Christian and 
heathen soldiers, 217 ; modifies Church polity, 218 ; changes 
Byzantium to Constantinople, 218'; presides in the council at 
Mce, 221 ; favors Arias, 226 ; his errors and death, 236. 

Constantine II. killed in battle, 232, 239. 

Constantinople rivals Eome, 235. 

Constantius, father of Constantine, friend of Christians, 201 ; dies 
in Britain, 201. 

Constantius II., 232 ; becomes sole emperor, 240 ; associates Ju- 
lian, dies, 242. 

Controversies, 127, 135 ; about the lapsed, 148. 

Converts, learned, 103. 

Copiatse, 180. 

Coracio converted, 183. 

Corinthians, 39. 

Cornelius and friends baptized, 32. 

Cornelius, bishop of Eome, 153 ; assembles a council to consider 
the conduct of Novatian, 153. 



INDEX. 275 

Council, the first, 33, 48 ; at Carthage decides on infant baptism, 
161 ; of Nice, the first general, 219 ; of Arians at Antioch, 233 ; 
of Alexandria, 233 ; of Araminium, 242 ; of Sardica, takes first 
steps towards papal supremacy, 236 ; not general, but divided, 
237; confirms the Mcene Creed, 238; the second general, 
256. 

Creeds, various, in early Church, 53 ; Apostles, 53. 

Cross, the sign of the, 180. 

Cyprian on confirmation, 124; his history, 148; incurs the hatred 
of the heathen, 148 ; escapes, 149 ; offends the lapsed, 149 ; 
defies the violence of Stephen, 156 ; assembles two councils to 
decide the question of heretical baptism, 157; notifies Stephen 
of his proceedings, 156 ; dies a martyr, 168 ; as a writer, 172. 

Damasus contends for the see of Eome, results in bloodshed, 
250. 

Deacons, the first ordained, 24 ; their duties, 47. 

Decius, emperor, a brutal persecutor, 45 ; has a short reign, killed 
by the Goths, 147. 

Deities of Marcion, 87. 

Demetrius, bishop of Alexandria, dies, 122 ; offended at Origen, 
138 ; reveals the secret of Origen, 140 ; assembles a council 
which condemns the writings of Origen, deposes and banishes 
him, 140. 

Didius Julianas, 112. 

Diocletian associates Maximian with him in the government, 190; 
begins the tenth persecution, 191 ; commands the Scriptures to 
be burned, is deceived, 192; commits barbarous acts, 193; 
tries to force bishops and clergy to sacrifice to his gods, 193 ; 
he abdicates, 199; is afflicted, 204; dies miserably, 205. 

Dionysius the Great, bishop of Alexandria, sought after by perse- 
cutors, but escapes, 146 ; caught at last, but rescued by friends, 
147; approves Cyprian's course, 150; absolves an aged penitent, 
150; is banished, 169; as a writer, his character, 172; brings 
back the erring, 182. 

Disciple's, their number at the time of the Ascension, 22; the 
cause of their great success, 23. 

Discipline in the early Church, 53. 

Dissensions about circumcision, 34 ; between St. Paul and Barna- 
bas, 33. 



276 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

Divisions in the Corinthian Church, 39 ; in the Church at large, 
TO. 

Domatilla, a martyr, 63. 

Domitian, his character, 62 ; treatment of the Senate ; dies un- 
regretted, 62. 

Donatists, their origin, 213 ; become violent, 213 ; call a council, 
and condemn Csacilianus, 214; complain to Constantine, and are 
patiently heard, 214; dissatisfied and ungrateful, 214; are 
punished, 215 ; continue to disturb the Church ; are banished 
and dispersed, 234 ; recalled by Julian the Apostate, and renew 
strife, 258 ; their power crushed by Theodosius, 264. 

Donatus, leader of Donatists, 214, 234. 

Door-keepers, their duties, 180. 

Easter, why and where observed, 55 ; observed at different times 

by the Eastern and Western Churches, 89 ; controversy about 

it, 106; settled at Nice, 109. 
Eastern Church opposes fast on the seventh day, 107 ; requires 

rebaptism of heretics, 155. 
Ebionites, 78. 
Elders, who they are, 46. 
Elxaites treat baptism profanely, 165; blend the errors of Judai- 

zers and Gnostics, 165. 
Empire under the Antonines, its happiest period, 84 ; its decline, 

111. 
Enemies of the Church, internal, the worst, 185 ; they bow to the 

power of the Church, 204. 
Epiphany, 268. 

Episcopal orders as distinguished in the reign of Constantine, 218. 
Eremites, 212. 

Errors repulsed return to battle, 127; creep into the Church, 257. 
Ethiopians converted, 223. 
Eunomians, 254. 

Euodius, first bishop of Antioch, 50. 
Eusebius, bishop of Caasarea, 225. 
Example of Christians blessed, 220. 
Exorcism introduced into Baptism, 164. 
Exorcists, 180. 

Fabianus, bishop of Eome, a martyr, 147. 



INDEX. 277 

Faith, extraordinary, 44. 

Fasting optional, 55 ; becomes systematic, 126. 

Female celibacy popular, 134 ; and results in scandal, 134. 

Festivals, become numerous and pompous in the 4th century, and 

were abused, 268. 
Festivals, principal, 54. 
Flavius Clemens, a martyr, 62. 
Frumentius, a missionary to Ethiopia, 223. 

Galerius, a bloody monster, 191 ; dies miserably, 199. 

Gallianus restores peace to the Church, 169. 

Gallic Church, 187. 

Gamaliel, 32. 

Gaul # christianized, 171. 

George of Laodicea, 254. 

Georgians in Asia converted by a captive female, 223. 

Germany christianized, 171. 

Gifts, supernatural, 44. 

Gnostic heresy, and its father, 27, 48 ; its increase and errors, 70 ; 
survives in the 3d century, 130 ; revived in Spain in 4th cen- 
tury, 256. 

God-parents, 93. 

Good Friday, 55. 

Gospel spreads rapidly, 112; is polluted, 234. 

Goths converted, 123; invade Asia Minor; the results, 186; 
converted by multitudes, 223. 

Government of Apostles mild, 45. 

Gratian associates Theodosius in the government, 261 ; is mur- 
dered, 263. 

Grecian churches, 186. 

Gregory, bishop of E"ew Cassarea, as a writer, 172 ; called the 
"Wonder-worker;" his success, 172. 

Gregory of Nazianzen, 247. 

Heathen aid Jews in persecuting Christians, 40 ; are alarmed, 75 ; 
assailed and exposed, 73 ; resort to artifice, 74 ; distrust their 
gods, 223 ; hope once more, 243 ; receive a fatal stroke, 264. 

Hermits, 176, 209. 

Herod's treatment of St. Polycarp, 98. 



278 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

High Priest, Priest and Levites, names given to Christian min- 
isters, 61. 
Hilary, 254. 

History of the Church, 1. 
Holy Communion, 54, 124, 252, 269. 
Holy Ghost descends, 23. 
Host-worship, 252. 

Ignatius, a martyr, 66. 
Immersion, the general practice, 163. 
Incense on Christian altars, 181. 

Irenseus, 92; as a writer and peace-maker, 104; rebukes the pride 
of Victor, 160; a martyr, 116. 

James the Just, 29 ; presides in first council, 33 ; his death, 33 ; 
his frequency in prayer, 126. 

James, the son of Zebedee, a martyr, 30. 

Jerome's testimony of Origen, 141. 

Jerusalem, the centre of Gospel work, 23 ; scourged by robbers, 
36 ; its woes begin, 58; besieged, 58 ; in ruins, 59. 

Jesus Christ, the great theme, 73. 

Jews, at Pentecost, 23 ; begin to suffer, 30; dispersed, 59 ; peace- 
ful, 75 ; deceived, 75 ; aid the heathen in persecuting, 99. 

John, St., approves the Gospel and Epistles, 60 ; a martyr in 
will, 63 ; at Patmos, 63 ; his last days, 63. 

Jovinian the emperor, his character, 248 ; disheartens Arians, 
248. 

Jovinian the Reformer, 253. 

Judaizers, 47 ; decline, 70. 

Jude's, St., mission, 32. 

Judgments of Heaven charged on Christians, 166. 

Julian, made Cassar, 242 ; becomes sole emperor, 242 ; an apos- 
tate, 242 ; a hater of Christ, 243 ; plans the ruin of the Church, 
244 ; tries to demonstrate the falsehood of Christianity, 246 ; 
miserably fails, 245 ; his wretched end, 247. 

Justina, widow of Gratian, 262. 

Justin Martyr, converted, 83; refutes Marcion, 89; writes his 
Second Apology, 96; a martyr, 96; as a writer, 103; on bap- 
tism, 162. 



index. 279 

Kiss of peace, 47. 

Laity share in Church government, 52. 

Lapsed and their troubles, 148, 151. 

Laurentius presents the Church's treasures, 169 ; cruelly mar- 
tyred, 169. 

Learning cultivated, and pulpit eloquence, 267. 

Lent, at close of fourth century, 260. 

Linen, white, for ministerial robes, 82. 

Linus I., bishop of Rome, 50. 

Liturgies of Apostles, 55. 

Lord's day, 54. 

Lord's Supper often administered, 54 ; at the tombs of saints, 235. 

Lucian, teacher of Antioch, 195. 

Lucilla aids the Donatists, 213. 

Luke, St., companion of St. Paul, 36 ; faithful and true, 42. 

Lycinius plots the death of Constantine, but fails, 205 ; is defeated 
and killed by Constantine, 206. 

Lycopolis, an influential see in Africa, 208. 

Lyons, the scene of a most bitter persecution, 100. 

Macedonian Churches, 186. 

Macedonius, his errors, 256; deposed and banished, 256. 

Magnentius murders Constans, 239 ; kills himself, 240. 

Majorinus, 214. 

Malchion exposes the errors of Paul, 132. 

Mammeea, her beautiful character, 143 ; she is murdered, 143. 

Manes and his errors, 128. 

Manichasans, 130. 

Marcellus, bishop of Ancyra, his errors, 255. 

Marcianus, 167. 

Marcion and his errors, 87. 

Marc of Memphis, 257. 

Marcus Aurelius Antonius, 90 ; a persecutor, 95. 

Marcus I., bishop of iElia, 77. 

Mark, cousin of Barnabas, rejected by St. Paul, 34. 

Mark, St., his mission, 32. 

Martialis deposed, 187. 

Martin, St., patron of monks, 211. 

Martyrs of 5th persecution, 96. 



280 'PEINCIPLES CF CHUKCH HISTORY. 

Matthias chosen, 22. 

Maxentius defeated by Constantine, drowned in tbe Tiber, 201, 203. 

Maximian abdicates, 199 ; bis memory odious, 200. 

Maximin, Ms character, 143 ; a murderer and persecutor, 144 ; 
murdered in turn, 144. 

Maximin, a bloody persecutor ; is driven from bis tbrone ; poi- 
sons himself; dies miserably, 200. 

Maximus, a murderer and usurper, 257, 262.* 

Melchizedec, the subject of heresy, 181. 

Meletius, bishop of Lycopolis, deposed, 209. 

Melitine legion saves the Eoman army, 91. 

Melito, bishop of Sardis, 104. 

Mentz receives the Gospel, 171. 

Metropolitan, 87. 

Metropolitans, 126. 

Millennium doctrine controverted, 136 ; revived in Africa, 182. 

Ministry divided into three orders, 45, 61, 68. 

Miracles, by whom performed, 55 ; lessening, 82, 119, 222. 

Missionaries go into Gaul, 92, 171. 

Monks, 209, 211. 

Montanus and his errors, 109 ; condemned, 110. 

Mysteries, Christian, 80. 

Nativity, difference in the time of observing it, 268. 

Nepos and his work, 182. 

Nero, a persecutor ; dies miserably, 43. 

New Testament Scriptures compiled, 61. 

Nicene Creed, 221 ; set aside by the Arians, 241. 

Novatian, a great schismatic, 186 ; organizes a sect, and obtains 

consecration by deceit, 152 ; excommunicated, 153. 
Novatians were Anabaptists, 154. 

Ordaining power, 46. 

Origen, 121 ; visits Arabia and converts a heathen tribe, 123 ; 
wins the victory for philosophy and learning, 138 ; flees into 
Arabia, lectures at Jerusalem and Caasarea, offends his bishop, 
138; disabled from receiving holy orders, 139; deposed, his 
writings condemned, goes into Asia, cordially received, 140 ; 
flees from persecution, 140 ; as a writer, 141 ; replies to Celsus, 
dies at Tyre, 141 ; on infant baptism, 162. 



INDEX. 281 

Overseers, 46. 

Paganism overthrown by Theodosius at Koine, 264. 

Palace of Diocletian twice on fire, charged on Christians, 192. 

Palestine suffers the dregs of persecution, 194; the centre of 
Syrian Church, 185. 

Pantsenus as a writer, 104. 

Papal supremacy in miniature, 128 ; its birth, 160. 

Parae, seat of a Jewish sect, 78. 

Paris receives the Gospel, 171. 

Paschal feast, 107. 

Passion-week, 107. 

Patmos, 63. 

Paul, St., his conversion, 28 ; his character, 28 ; 1st journey, 84 ; 
2d journey, 36; at Athens and Corinth, 37; returns to Jerusa- 
lem, 37 ; his 3d journey, 38 ; last trial and death, 42 ; had no 
see, 51. 

Paul of Antioch, 131. 

Paul the hermit, 177. 

Pelagius on baptism, 163. 

Penance, self-imposed, deemed a virtue, 209 ; the remedy for sin 
after baptism, 124. 

Penitents, 54. 

Pentecost, 23. 

Persecution by the Jews spreads the Gospel, 26 ; renewed, 30 
2d, 62 ; 4th, 74 ; arrested, 126 ; 5th, 95 ; ceases, 17 years, 102 
7th, 143 ; 8th, 145 ; 9th, arrested, 166 ; makes hermits, 176 
10th, 190; under Lycinius, 204; begins to be advocated by 
some Christians, 252 ; the heathen's only way to destroy the 
Church, 191. 

Pertinax and his virtues, 112. 

Pestilence involves Christians in persecution, 166. 

Peter, St., uses the keys and opens the door of the kingdom, 32 ; 
inconsistent, and rebuked, 35 ; a martyr, 42; had no see, 51. 

Peter, bishop of Alexandria, the last of the martyrs, 196. 

Philip, St., 24, 27. 

Philip the Arabian, 145. 

Philosophy and learning, 70 ; controversy about it, 72 ; the in- 
fluence of, 136 ; patronized, 399. 

Photinus, bishop of Surmium, his errors ; is banished, 255. 



282 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

Pilate commits suicide, 31. 

Pilgrimages deemed meritorious, 257. 

Plato's admirers, 106. 

Pliny — his opinion of Christians, 68. 

Polycarp's testimony of the name " Bishop," 69 ; confers with 
Anicetus, bishop of Eome, on the Easter question, 90 ; his his 
tory and wonderful death, 97. 

Polycrites, bishop of Ephesus, replies to Victor and chastises his 
pride, 108. 

Porphyry, his character, ability, labor, and fame, 174. 

Potamiama, a distinguished martyr, 113. 

Pothinus, first bishop of Lyons and Yienne, 92 ; a martyr, 101. 

Prayer in form, 55 ; at fixed hours, 126. 

Preaching, the primitive style of, 60. 

Presbyters share in Church government, 46. 

Priests, Jewish, converted, 24 ; heathen, tempt Diocletian to per- 
secute, 191. 

Prisca, wife of Diocletian, forced to sacrifice to the gods, 196. 

Priscilla at Ephesus, 38. 

Priscillian, chief Spanish Gnostic, history and death, 257. 

Proculus and his miracle, 113. 

Progress of Christianity, singular, 184; alarms the heathen, 190. 

Property held in common, 24. 

Prophecy, the gift of, 45. 

Quarrel between Eoman emperors, 239. 

Recluses, how made, 176. 

Eelics, and their abuse, 251. 

Revelation of St. John, 63. 

Roman bishop — has no spiritual power superior to others, 157 ; 
Church distinguished for good works, 252 ; sees and dioceses, 
their number at the close of the third century, 187; bishops 
rich and powerful, 235 ; emperors quarrel, 239 ; see a tempt- 
ing object to human ambition, 250 ; bishop receives accession 
to his spiritual power, 251 ; empire loses its glory with Theo- 
dosius, 261. 

Rome, Church of, troubled with the question of the lapsed, 148, 
149 ; the heart of the political world, most influential, 158 ; its 
number of churches at the close of the third century, 187 ; a 
nest of the worst sects, 151. 



INDEX. 283 

Rufinus incenses Theodosius against the Thessalonians, 263. 
Kulers of the empire forced to respect Christianity, 80. 

Sabellins and his errors, 131. 

Saints, their veneration, 235. 

Salt used in baptism, 164. 

Sapor IL, persecutor, 266. 

Sarabites, 212. 

Schools for Christian education, 53. 

Scottish Church established, 172. 

Scriptures published and circulated, 60 ; badly expounded, 94 ; 

their circulation enlarged, 120. 
Sects, the first organized, 47 ; their durability and absorption, 182. 
Sedition and death among the Jews, 31. 

Septimus Severus, a persecutor, 113 ; his sorrows and death, 116. 
Serapion, his affecting history, 150. 
Serenus intercedes for the Christians, 74. 
Services of the Church, 267. 
Sick anointed, 261. 
Silas, companion of St. Paul, 31. 
Simeon, second bishop of Jerusalem, 32 ; a martyr, 66. 
Simon Magus, 27. 
Sixtus II. butchered, 168. 
Spanish Church, 187. 
Stephen, St., 24. 

Stephen, bishop of Rome, 156 ; his death, 168. 
Sub-deacons, 179. 
Surplice, 82. 
Switzerlan 
Synod, 87. 
Syrian Church, 185. 

Tertullian testifies to the number of Christians, 73; writes an 
Apology, 105 ; lost to the Church, 128 ; his novelties on bap- 
tism, 164, 165. 

Theodosius, his noble character; how he dealt with his enemies, 261; 
marries Gulla; marches against the usurper, 262; becomes sole 
ruler; his one great crime, 263; repents, 264; he crushes the 
power of Arianism and Donatism, overthrows paganism at 
Rome, 264 ; leaves the empire to his two sons, and dies, 265. 



284: PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH HISTORY. 

Theophilus, bishop of Antioch, as a writer, 104. 

Thessalonians severely chastised, 263. 

Timothy, 40; bishop of Ephesus, 51. 

Titus, bishop of Crete, 40, 51. 

Titus, son of Vespasian, 58. 

Tongues, the gift of, 23, 44. 

Tours receives the Gospel, 171. 

Traitors to Christ, 192. 

Trajan, character of, 65. 

Treves receives the Gospel, 171. 

Troas, scene of St. Paul's vision, 36. 

Tumults in the reign of Diocletian, 190. 

Unity of the Church never perfect, 47. 

Valens, an Arian, 248. 

Valentinian, zealous for the true faith, 248; murdered, 263. 

Valeria, daughter of Diocletian, 204 ; forced to sacrifice to the 

gods, 196. 
Valerian, first a friend to the Church, then a persecutor, 167; his 

dreadful death, 169. 
Victor, bishop of Kome, his arrogance, 108 ; excommunicates the 

Eastern bishops, 109 ; a martyr, 116. 
Vienne, scene of the most cruel persecution, 100. 
Vincent of Lerins' testimony of Tertullian, 105. 
Virgin Mary, 257. 

Virginity more popular than the married state, 134. 
Virgins disgrace themselves and the Church, 134. 

Western Church admits heretical baptism, 156. 

Whitsunday, 55. 

"Worshipping towards the East, 82. 

Writers of ability, their aid to the Church, 120. 

Zephyrinus, bishop of Eome, and his errors, 159. 



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